When Biddeford High School graduated its Class of 2012 on Sunday, eight students walked down the aisle with an extra award that needs to be fully appreciated.

Matt McQuirk, Heather Fecteau, Jenna Roy, Alyson Roy (no relation), Tyler Vigue, Zach Jacques, Brianna Laverriere and Clint Maloy each graduated while wearing the Golden Tiger medallion.

The high school awarded the eight students with the medallion for playing three sports per year for each of their four years of school. They were part of Biddeford Athletic Director Dennis Walton’s Iron Tiger program, which awards Biddeford student-athletes each year if they play three sports during that school year.

Walton and Biddeford High School should be applauded for implementing this program, and these young adults should also be recognized for their accomplishment.

We agree with Walton when he says high school athletics can be an important part of a person’s growth. They allow teenagers to become involved, active members within their schools and communities.

Unfortunately, Walton said, the United States is facing an epidemic of sports specialization. He said young athletes are migrating away from playing multiple sports offered through their schools, and instead they are focusing on only one sport, which they play nearly the entire year. Many do this with the hopes of earning a Division I or Division II athletic scholarship, or possibly becoming a professional athlete in that sport.

There is nothing wrong with student-athletes dreaming of reaching such goals, but we must be more realistic as a society when dealing with this issue. Most athletes will not earn high-level collegiate scholarships, and certainly will never became professional athletes.

While these athletes are focusing on one sport, Walton said they are putting themselves at greater risk of injury by over-using specific muscle groups while training specifically for that one endeavor.

It also hurts schools and communities. Biddeford, for example, Walton said, is one of the smallest Class A schools in Maine. If students do not participate in multiple sports, its overall athletic program will suffer, as talented athletes elect not to participate.

Young people only get to go to high school once, and they should experience everything that it has to offer, Walton said. After high school, there are not many opportunities to play competitive athletics. Competing for multiple school teams will build memories and forge friendships. Students need to expose themselves to various sports. If one is a soccer player, then give lacrosse a try. If one is a swimmer, then go out for baseball. Competing in these other sports allows individuals to learn more about themselves and become well-rounded.

It’s sad to think that parents are shelling out thousands of dollars to take their children to summer, winter and spring leagues of only one sport. They spend money on gas, food, hotels and so on, while watching their child compete for a team that usually has no community connection. It is their right to do so, after all, and who knows, maybe this is exactly what the athlete and the family wants. We understand that not every young person will like the other sports, but if that is not the case, then at least give the student a chance to try something else and enjoy their youth.

The eight Golden Tigers who received diplomas last Sunday are a testament to the success that can be found just by taking advantage of the opportunities at your own school.

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Today’s editorial was written by Sports Editor Al Edwards representing the majority opinion of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.