Instead of having junior high and high school varsity sports programs for a very select few, here's a thought.

Eliminate all such programs. They're expensive and cater to a few.

Replace them with mandatory four high school years of physical fitness programs. Running, cycling, sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, weight lifting, nutrition information, and intramural competition for EVERYONE. And everyone showers afterwards. It's a concept.

Sports are advertised as being great for school morale, spirit, pride, personal growth and character development. If true, then why are they limited to a small handful in multiple sports in both sexes?

Any teenager wanting to play sports at a different level can join local club teams. Same attitude goes for learning to play a musical instrument, cheerleading, whatever.

Short and long-term benefits are all good. Healthy, happy people turning into healthy happy adults with probably fewer expensive health issues as they pass through life. Good for all of them and all of us.