by: Racquel Asa (Reporter, Videographer)Ben Gellman-Chompsky (Videographer)
(NCC NEWS) – The economic downturn and climbing costs of college tuition is placing a greater reliance on students who have the talent to score an athletic scholarship.
With unemployment in Central New York is at its highest since 1992 at 8.3 percent and an average college education at a private university exceeding $100,000, it’s no secret why even middle class families are struggling to fund a four year degree.
“It’s not even a socioeconomic thing even with the costs of education right now even people you would consider are middle class people are struggling to send their children to college, even the good colleges,” said Buddy Weklinsky, the athletic director at Christian Brothers Academy. “They just don’t have the finances to do it. The money just isn’t available.”
A Free Shot at College
Kayla Stroman is one of those lucky enough to land a golden ticket to college. The 18-year-old has played the sport since she was six and for the past four years has played on the CBA girl’s varsity basketball team.
Next fall, Kayla will play for the women’s basketball team at Niagara University on a free ride.
“Probably without a full scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to go,” said Kayla. It’s a big relief for Kayla’s mom, Katherine, who already works two jobs seven days a week. “We would have definitely had to settle probably for a two year community college,” said Katherine Terry, Kayla’s mom.
An Added Pressure
With the free ride, Kayla and her mom don’t have to settle for something less. Now her mom can now cut back on her work hours and go down to one job.
But that adds a certain layer of pressure on Kayla. She knows without such an opportunity, her dream of being the first in her family to get a degree wouldn’t be possible, making keeping it that much more difficult.
“I think it is a big pressure cause I have to keep focused on the court and off the court to maintain the scholarship,” said Kayla.
Buddy Weklinsky says it maybe a free ride, but there is nothing easy about it.
“Now they are forced to perform and forced to go through this rigorous training session to get them to stay through college and get their degree,” said Weklinsky.
