Dumb question, but also somewhat of a sarcastic one. With classes finally getting going Tuesday, but sports already going for nearly a month, do athletes already feel like they've been in school most of August? And what's lost, if anything, by playing up to a quarter of a season before the first homework is assigned?
The situation was made possible when the state moved the start of classes to after Labor Day for all public schools with a law signed in 2005.
On one hand, it allows some sports that must get done before the weather gets crummy -- like golf, for example -- to jam in as many matches and tournaments as possible over about two weeks. On the other, it has to take away some of the former pomp and circumstance for football that used to come with getting ready for that first game of the season -- getting back into school after two weeks of two-a-day practices, dressing up for the first game, pep rallies, and all of that. I also wonder how it affects, if at all, the soccer, volleyball, cross country, swimming, tennis or golf communities -- which might also get less student fan support before school starts.
Or maybe it doesn't matter at all either way. That's why I'm asking. Feel free to post and fill us in.
High school sports editor 
