Tulsa Public Schools proposes cutting various athletic programs

TULSA -- Cutting the fun out of school? That's the concern for some parents as Tulsa Public Schools announced proposed cuts to various athletic programs Monday night.

Almost every high school in the district may see an athletic program go.

"I remember that field vividly," former TPS student Donna McCarty said. 

There may be no one in the bleachers or on the field, but for Donna McCarty the memories are still clear as day.

"We were in the city championships, the game was tied 2-2 into extra innings," McCarty said. "I hit that ball right over second base and got a homerun and we won the game."

Proposed budget cuts by Tulsa Public Schools show getting rid of a number of athletic programs. One is possibly the baseball program at Hale High School.

"We were pretty good as a team and that did a lot for more socially," McCarty said. 

An option McCarty wants her 3-year-old grandson Jase to be able to make himself

"It is sad for our kids," she said. 

Across the park, sits Sherry Ross. She graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1969.

"My grandson wrestles, so I wouldn't want that cut," she said. 

The schools wrestling program is potentially on the chopping block.

"We had one of our guys go to the Olympics and won so it's very important," Ross said. 

A chart from the school district shows the list of potential deductions.

"A lot of students get involved into sports at my age so they can get like scholarships for colleges and just get noticed," DOVE Science Academy freshman Jermaine Bruner said. 

The National Federation of State High School Associations says students who play sports in high school are more likely be to engaged in the community.

"If we don't get involved inside of something that keeps us going, then it might make us lack in school," Bruner said. 

For now, the community wonders what may be next.

No final decisions have been made at this time. A final decision will be made at the may 15th board meeting.

Here is the chart from TPS on possible cuts to athletic programs:

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