To the editor:

I applaud the success of both high schools this football season and Bob Lisher deserves the credit in the Oct. 10 Journal-World story. I think, however, that it is coming with a cost that most people won’t see.

I am unaware of the LHS policy, but at Free State players have been told that if they do not attend all of the summer conditioning program (as in not a recognized part of the school district’s program), they will be not eligible to play all or part of the following season.

This has put a burden on several boys. This policy prevents them from participating in other life-changing activities. I am an assistant Scoutmaster with one of the Boy Scout troops in town. Next summer over 30 boys have the opportunity to attend Phil-mont High Adventure Base in New Mexico. They will spend two weeks hiking in the mountains and participating in a wide variety of activities, including rock climbing and black powder shooting. During this time they will learn self-reliance and endurance (just the things a conditioning program targets). For most boys this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it is being denied due to an overly restrictive view. High school should be about opening doors and new opportunities, not shutting out new experiences.