Deputy Commissioner of Sports: “Mathematics hampers our students record”

Deputy Commissioner of Sports Joel Rayne is shining the light on the issue that student athletes from Antigua and Barbuda face when earning scholarships to US colleges or universities.

Rayne was speaking on Tuesday morning briefly about the matriculation of student athletes.

He explained that in speaking with an official from a US College, students not only from Antigua and Barbuda but in the region are struggling with their results in Mathematics.

This could hinder their chances of being offered a scholarship.

For students in Antigua and Barbuda, they need to have passed 5 CSEC subjects in Mathematics, English, Science, Social Science and/or Religion or Foreign Languages to qualify for the NCAA Clearinghouse or Eligibility Center.

“The NCAA Clearinghouse or Eligibility Center is the gateway to Division 1 and Division 2 opportunities. Without passing through it, no student athlete can compete or receive an athletic scholarship,” Rayne said.

“Too many of our student athletes are not meeting the requirement of three years of higher-level math, starting with Algebra 1. As a result, they are disqualified before they even get a chance to showcase their athletic ability. This is heartbreaking when you consider the talent that us being wasted,” he added.

The Clearinghouse looks at two main things: academics and amateurism. On the academic side students must complete 16 core subjects, maintain a minimum GPA, and sit standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. On the amateurism side, the NCAA checks that athletes have maintained their eligibility status.

Rayne is calling on principals and education officials to assist in conquering this situation.

He highlighted that various areas will be addressed to aid in improving the number of scholarships granted. These areas are identifying potential athletes early and track their academic progress, strengthening support in Mathematics through tutoring and extra sessions.

Align school subject offerings with NCAA requirements and build strong partnerships among parents, teachers and coaches to ensure accountability.

The Deputy Commissioner was speaking at the School Sports Collaboration Meeting at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.