The academic achievement of cross-country and long-distance track runners: a seasonal comparison

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether student participation in cross-country and track at a small high school in northwestern Wisconsin would affect the grade point averages and attendance records of students. Grades and attendance records were collected from the term in which each student participated in their respective sport season during the 2000-2001 academic year. This data was compared to the students’ grades and attendance records received after the cross-country season and before the track season. Results indicated that participation in cross-country or long-distance track had no effect on the grade point averages of the students. However, participation in cross-country appeared to have a positive effect on the students’ attendance records during their season of participation. No statistically significant effect on attendance was determined for the long-distance track participants.