Last week, we published a letter to the editor from C.M. Stebner, a visitor to our fair city from Margate, Fla. Mr. or Ms. Stebner (I can’t determine gender from initials) read our June 15 edition that contained our Top 10 Students feature. In the letter, he or she does a bit of statistical analysis and comes to the conclusion that there is too heavy an influence on sports and that’s what holds boys back academically.

Here’s a quote from his or her letter:

“Males who ‘muscle’ their way through school and turn ‘pro’ have poor track records in life. There are very few Michael Jordans, but a lot of Michael Vicks.”

Sorry, Mr. or Ms. Stebner. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Your letter focuses on less than 10 percent of male athletes. Most young athletes may dream about playing in the Super Bowl or World Series, but most toil, sweat and strive under the realization that they will never play at the next level.

If there is a problem with boys and young men — and I agree that many do struggle — it’s because they aren’t challenged enough physically. Boys are, by nature, active. They run. They climb. They compete. They explore. They take things apart. They have all this energy, yet few outlets. Often, they misbehave and get into trouble. All school activities, but in particular sports, provide boys that much-needed outlet.

Is there too heavy an emphasis on sports, Mr. or Ms. Stebner?

I doubt it.

To the contrary, we need more boys involved in sports, where they learn teamwork, discipline, how to deal with defeat and how to take coaching.

Search elsewhere if you want to place blame for the poor academic performance of boys. Blame video games. Blame computers. Blame an educational system that’s not “boy-friendly.”

There are plenty of challenges that boys have these days, but playing high school sports isn’t one of them. In fact, sports might be keeping many young men in school and out of trouble.

Election

observations

Here are a couple of observations about last Tuesday’s primary election.

First, the senior tax was smoked, as 71 percent of voters said “No!” Some observers may blame the loss on the overall bad economy. But they’re overlooking an important factor. In Buchanan County, indeed in Northwest Missouri, tax increases stand a better chance if they’re earmarked for specific uses.

The senior tax was a big muddle. It would not have provided new services to older citizens. Instead, it would augment existing services. Many “no” voters may have viewed the measure as funneling more money to agencies instead of putting it directly into the hands of senior citizens.

Second, Rep. Kenny Hulshof narrowly defeated Missouri Treasurer Sarah Steelman to win the Republican nod for governor and square off against Democrat Jay Nixon.

If you remember, Ms. Steelman campaigned regularly in St. Joseph and Northwest Missouri. To my knowledge Mr. Hulshof virtually ignored our corner of the state.

This, of course, proves that you can blatantly ignore Northwest Missouri and still win a statewide election.

Pino Pong

The Pino Throw, an annual event that benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is set for 2008, but with an important change.

Pino (aka Mike Pinzino) is retiring, and the fundraiser will instead feature a Beer Pong tournament. Here’s the dope on the event. It will take place Thursday, Sept. 11, at Norty’s Bar & Grill, 1117 Frederick Ave. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. If you’re attending, R.S.V.P. by calling 364-9043. The cost is $25 per person. It’s $5 per person, $10 per team to compete in the Beer Pong tourney.

I’m sorry that I won’t see Pino gliding along a cement floor ever again. But, he was bruised and sore after being tossed around 20 or 30 times so his “retirement” is understandable.

Let’s just hope he doesn’t pull a “Favre” and un-retire on Wednesday.

Steve Booher’s column runs on Monday.