<p>My child attends an NESCAC school, not Amherst, I only respond because I was at Amherst yesterday for a sports competition…two amazing liberal arts schools, enthusiastic alumni in the stands, great energy from both sides. </p>
<p>Two things that confuse me from your post…Why are you so intent on not having school spirit? To your mind, does not having school spirit, or not attending sporting events make a person a more serious, more successful student? How sad. School spirit doesn’t have to equate streaking across the quad in school colored body paint. I’m sure you know that there are many, many examples of schools that have rich athletic histories AND rigorous, highly selective academic programs. Two words. Ivy League…it’s a sports conference, no? </p>
<p>And to circuitrider…interesting history lesson. I have to laugh tho’ at your suggestion that you can immediately tell who the athletes are any NESCAC campus. Mostly 'cos it’s just not true. With the exception of maybe men’s basketball players and the O-line from the football team, most athletes are pretty skilled at blending in just like normal people. :)</p>