The dumb-athlete stereotype has been -- or at least should have been -- laid to rest years ago.
Many studies have shown that students involved in athletics and other school activities have higher grade point averages than those who don't partake.
For instance: a 1981 study by the Iowa High School Athletic Association showed students not active in sports had a 2.39 grade point average (4.0 scale). Those active in one sport maintained an average of 2.61 and those who played two sports 2.82.
Want more? A 1987 survey of individuals at the executive vice president level or above in 75 Fortune 500 companies showed 95 percent of those corporate executives participated in sports during high school.
Meet Palo Alto senior lacrosse player James Harrison, a well-rounded student-athlete who, with any luck, may just find himself near the top of a Fortune 500 company one of these days.
Harrison has started on the Viking varsity since his freshman year. A top performer for the Vikings on the field, he also has a 4.1 weighted grade point average (3.85 unweighted).
“I try to work as much as I can both in school and on the field and I feel I can do that by managing my time evenly.” Harrison said. “I feel that this is the best way to achieve the best of both worlds.”
The Palo Alto defenseman grew up playing an array of sports including basketball, soccer, baseball and roller hockey.
But it wasn’t until he picked up a lacrosse stick in fourth grade that Harrison found the sport he’d eventually commit himself to.
“The intensity, connections, friendships, and overall style of the game caught my eye.” Harrison said. “It is very similar to the other sports I have played, but in terms of pace and focus, I think there is a large separation [between the sports].”
Since then his lacrosse career has taken off. Harrison now plays for the vaunted ADVNC travel team coached by former college lacrosse star Chris Rotelli.
Harrison has started for The Vikings the past three seasons and has accumulated several awards including the Coaches' Player of the Year in his freshman year, as well as being elected to the all-Santa Clara Valley Athletic League second team in both his sophomore and junior seasons.
Harrison has also received multiple college offers to play collegiately on the NCAA Division III level.
And with so much accomplished he still has one more goal to complete before he leaves Paly.
“I still really want a league championship and I hope that in my senior season, we can bring it back to Palo Alto," Harrison said.
But as much passion as Harrison has for his sport, he understands school comes first, and that it’ll be his education, not lacrosse, that will eventually pay the bills.
“Since I feel that I am succeeding academically and I want to stay in the west. I am planning on playing club lacrosse at a school which is to my academic level," Harrison said.
As if that comment wasn't indicative enough of how much Harrison values education over sport, he added "lacrosse will not be much of a decider” in choosing a college.
Which is not to say the Viking senior isn't into his sport or intent upon winning a league title. He is, and one can bet he'll pursue his goal with enthusiasm and, yes, intelligence.
