Last summer, millions of Americans took to the nation’s highways.  Some traveled to attend class or family reunions, some to attend weddings or anniversaries, some to see parts of our state or nation not seen before.

The usual highway construction season was exacerbated by Federal stimulus dollars, causing massive road repair projects with millions of orange barrels and many meandering detours.  Travelers experienced the disruption of delays and the frustration of detours; but eventually they experienced relief and renewed spirit when they were restored to their intended road and desired speed.

In the popular book, The Alchemist, about an ancient desert crossing, it is written:  “No matter how many detours and adjustments it made, the caravan moved toward the same compass point.  Once obstacles were overcome, it returned to its course, sighting on a star that indicated the location of the oasis.  When people saw the star shining in the morning sky, they knew they were on the right course.”

The recent journey of school sports has had some “detours and adjustments,” to be sure – the change of seasons and the failing economy the two most obvious.  But it remains for us to be the star, the compass point that shows the way and assures that educational athletics – in the midst of cost-cutting changes – stays true to its course, which first and foremost is to support the educational mission of Michigan’s schools.