Athletic program important to student

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Updated: March 4, 2012 8:04AM

Dr. Wallace: Please answer my question real soon! My parents were recently separated, and I now live with my mother. My father still lives in the house where our family used to live, but my mother and I moved to an apartment on the other side of Miami. Because of the move, I had to change high schools. I don’t mind attending the new school, and I have already made new friends. But my problem is that I was on the softball team at my old school. If I still lived in my old house, I would be the starting shortstop on a very good team. My new high school has a weak athletic program. I could play softball here, but winning is fun and chances are we wouldn’t win many games.

If I moved back in with my father, I could be eligible to play for my old school. I love my dad, but I think I would enjoy living with my mother better than living with my dad. What should I do? Please hurry with your opinion.

Female, Miami

Female: If you are in the 12th grade and will graduate this coming June, move back with your father until after you graduate. Then move in with your mother. If you are not a senior, stay put. Athletic participation is important, but living with the parent you most enjoy is more important. In athletics, winning is important, but again, participating is more important, and you can participate at your new school and still live with your mother.

Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net