JAN/FEB. 2003 Volume 87 • Number 4 UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○Leaguer ReflectionsReflections ofof SuccessSuccess Top 15 give students credit for successes hether it be in sports, music or academics, most Texas teachers know that their biggest success comes with the success of their stu- dents. UIL recognizes this concept and 13 Wyears ago created an award to recognize 15 teachers/sponsors who go “above and be- yond” to make their students successful with the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award. A panel of judges representing the areas of music, academics and athletics selected the winners from nominees submitted by school principals and superintendents state- A Little Extra Help wide. Nomination forms were sent to schools Sponsor Excellence Award winner in August. Mariann Fedrizzi of Cypress Creek High The award was created to identify and School in Houston helps junior Keith recognize outstanding sponsors who assist Jones with research. Fedrizzi serves as students in developing and refining their the fine arts department chair and is extra-curricular talents to the highest de- running the UIL academic meet this gree possible within the educational sys- spring. Fifteen sponsors in academics, tem, while helping to keep their personal music and sports are recognized by the worth separate from their success or failure UIL each year with the Sponsor Excel- in competition. lence Award. Each recipient receives “The benefits of interscholastic compe- $1,000 and a plaque to display his or tition and student performance are made her accomplishments. possible by dedicated directors, sponsors photo courtesy of Mary Beth Kerr, Cypress Creek High School Publications and coaches,” UIL Director Dr. Bill Farney The UIL-Southwestern Bell Sponsor said. “The University Interscholastic League Excellence Award recipients for 2002 in- salutes all of these clude: 2 private schools given outstanding educa- Mona Sue Cauley “I have always observed tors.” Arlington High School, Arlington her dedication to teach- The UIL Spon- Cauley has taught physical education option of joining UIL sor Excellence and coached volleyball, basketball tennis ing and coaching,” Award was origi- and track 28 years in schools ranging from by Kim Rogers must meet the following conditions: nally made possible junior high to large 5A schools. In that UIL Public Information Director 1. Are accredited by the Texas Pri- principal James Adams by a grant from the time, her players have earned honors rang- vate School Accreditation Commission. Effie and Wofford ing from All-District to All-State and All- said, “but more impor- nder certain provisions, two non- 2. Do not qualify for membership in Cain Foundation, Academic. She said she has never had an public schools may apply for mem- any other organization similar to the UIL. tantly her dedication to in honor of Frank active player become ineligible due to poor U bership in the UIL beginning with the 3. Meet the definition of a high school W. Denius, a direc- academic grades. 2003-04 school year. The Legislative as described in the Constitution and Con- her students and ath- tor of the Cain “I try to instill that as young adults they Council voted January 13 in favor of test Rules. Foundation. South- must learn how to handle all situations both letes.” amending the Constitution and Contest The amendment is contingent upon a western Bell joined positive and negative,” she said. “I strive Rules to allow non-public schools to apply satisfactory settlement of current litiga- with the UIL in daily to work with athletes with a less mo- for UIL membership in the largest confer- tion regarding this matter, and approval 1997 but dropped their support last year. tivated background to become leaders of ence (currently conference 5A). by the Commissioner of Education. A This year, the UIL is assuming the financial their own and to develop a self-esteem to be The amendment to the Constitution non-public school could be assigned to a aspect of the award on its own because it productive in society after high school.” will allow non-public schools to apply for UIL district beginning with the 2003-04 believes that a strong extra-curricular pro- In addition to working with her students UIL membership in the largest confer- school year in all activities except varsity gram in all areas makes for a strong and on the court and classroom, she has worked ence unless their right to participate has football. Due to reclassification and re- successful school. Each of the 15 recipients to get several of her athletes scholarships as been suspended or revoked for violating alignment policies, non-public schools will receive a $1,000 check and a symbolic well as become active in the Texas Girl’s rules or codes by another League similar will not be assigned to a varsity football memento from UIL for their outstanding Coaching Association the past 15 years. to the UIL. Additionally, the schools contribution to the success of students in continued on page 9 Texas. continued on page 7 UIL Leaguer 2 • News Jan/Feb. 2003 Private school inclusion should eliminate pending litigation in federal court system he UIL’s oppose private schools being in the UIL. do not qualify for membership in another keep the benefits of interschool competi- T Legisla- However, if member schools were aware statewide association. All other private tion for new generations of students is of EDITOR tive Council of the current conditions and standards schools in Texas are eligible to belong to vital importance to education. What we Dr. Bill Farney approved an by which the two new schools must abide, a private school association. If they drop face in view of the current economic short- UIL Director amendment the proposal may have gained support. out of or become suspended from the pri- fall is an opportunity to pool our creativity Jan. 13, 2003, The only conference affected is AAAAA, vate school association, they cannot be- and resolve so young men and women will MANAGING EDITOR which will, if and only boys’ competition. It is possible come eligible to apply for UIL member- have opportunities to develop their inter- Randy Vonderheid approved by that public schools now have a much ship. The rule has a rational basis and can ests and talents. Assistant Academic the Commis- better position to speak against other pri- be defended in court. There are some trying times ahead. sioner of Edu- vate schools since all other private schools What if the Texas Association of Pri- Everyone who is involved in school ac- Director cation, per- have a viable league of their own. vate and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) de- tivities must be seen as part of the solution mit two pri- Bill Farney The UIL staff and the Legislative cides in the future to further limit their to the economic dilemmas we face. I firmly ADMINISTRATIVE vate schools UIL Director Council are and will continue to be strong membership status causing other schools believe that we can adapt and change so STAFF to apply for public school advocates. Public schools to be “not eligible for membership?” This schools will still be able to offer compre- Dr. William D. membership — Dallas Jesuit College Pre- will continue to oppose allowing private situation is not likely to happen. hensive curriculums. Let us all remember Farney, director; paratory School and Houston Strake Je- schools membership into the UIL. Most private schools do not want to that promoters and entrepreneurs will see suit. Would it be better to deny all private adhere to state laws because they do not to it that the talented athlete will have Dr. Charles These two boys-only schools do not schools admission, including the two Je- receive state funds and, for the most part, ample opportunity in any kind of eco- Breithaupt, director of qualify for membership in any other state- suit schools? The Legislative Council be- operate with volunteer and/or part-time nomic condition. athletics; wide organization and have been seeking lieved this is the best course of action at coaches. Our challenge is to preserve that once- Richard Floyd, admission to the UIL for almost 10 years. this time. Don Hendrix, Council Chair Nobody can predict the future, but all in-a-lifetime school experience — not director of music; Dallas Jesuit currently has more than 900 from Crosby ISD, said, “The Council was member schools can be assured the UIL only for the gifted — but for the 96 per- students and Houston Strake Jesuit has reluctant to admit any non-public schools. staff and the Legislative Council will work cent who will not receive college athletic Bobby Hawthorne, 806. However, it became apparent that this with schools to address these challenges. scholarships. What a sad world it would director of academics; Both schools would be assigned to was the best option for the UIL.” The ability for school superintendents to be if only the brightest birds get to sing. Rhonda Alves, Conference 5A and allowed to partici- The two new schools must abide by all formulate rules, govern their schools and assistant academic pate in all activities except varsity foot- UIL rules, including rules prohibiting re- director; ball in 2003-2004. League rules do not cruiting of athletes. Private schools — by Academics department notes... permit member schools to join football in their very nature — must recruit students. Vicki Bryant, project the second year of a two-year alignment. But no UIL member school is permitted to State Meet Schedule count toward League championships. coordinator; By modifying membership standards, recruit or provide inducement to athletes. Please check the tentative State On Feb. 22, the UIL will host a Diana Cardona, the UIL takes a step in settling pending Any new student must have a Previous Meet schedule, posted on the UIL web meeting of a recently-appointed Social spring meet materials litigation without risking an adverse deci- Athletic Participation Form and be ap- site (www.uil.utexas.edu).