Joe Paterno, Dave Wannstedt both in favor of spring football for high schoolers

Penn State football coach Joe Paterno is generally regarded as the sage savant of all things pure and good about the times when sports were pure (i.e.: he's even older than classic Americana), so it's a bit surprising he came down firmly on the side of reason in the high school football practice time debate.



Many high school coaches are in favor of adding formal, regular spring practices to prepare for fall football season, which currently isn't allowed by most state athletic associations.  Reasons ranging from "it will totally ravage our boys lacrosse roster" to "it's just another sign that people take high school sports way to seriously" are given in opposition, but with respected names such as Joe Pa on board, it's bound to gain more support, says Andrew Shay of The Patriot News:

When Joe Paterno speaks, most football fans in this state pay attention. The legendary Penn State coach gave his blessing a month ago to the notion of organized high school spring football practice in Pennsylvania, saying he was in favor of the idea. Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt is of a similar belief.

College coaches recruiting these players obviously have a vested interest in seeing high school players get better and practice more before arriving on campus. But spring practices can benefit the schools as well. It's not like districts make money off of sports like golf or tennis or lacrosse. Even baseball and softball are not as popular for spectators, leaving the spring season without a revenue generating sport. Wouldn't fans, particularly in football hungry areas, pay admission to go and watch a contending high school team run through drills?

Certainly every practice wouldn't be open to the public, but schools could easily put together public practices, charge and admission and get fans excited for the fall season, just like colleges do.