To the editor:

I disagree with the reporter’s suggestion in the Journal-World’s Sept. 15 story, “Rule fails innocent athletes” that students transfer to private schools for sports opportunities. Ryan Wood wrote, “Sometimes a move to private school is for activity purposes. Sports dynasties at private schools like Pittsburg Colgan (football), Overland Park Aquinas (girls basketball) and Kansas City Ward (baseball) is evidence of that.”

As the broadcaster of Colgan athletics and parent of students there, I challenge Mr. Wood to produce one situation where his statement is true with Colgan. Our school receives this false perception because we win in boys football and basketball. We didn’t used to win 10 years ago in any sport and no one cared. The perception that small private schools recruit and persons only transfer for “activities” is a joke. People come to Colgan because of their faith first, academics second and thirdly to keep their kids in an environment free of some of the side effects of public education.

Winning at Colgan and other private schools is often a byproduct of a more disciplined environment and motivated parents who expect a lot of their kids. The sooner Mr. Wood and others of his mindset understand that, the less they throw out their typical generalizations.

Lynn Meredith,

Pittsburg