Running back Semmie Smith of Brookhaven and basketball forwardAnn Shelby Davis of Wesson are both outstanding senior athletes whoare looking forward to their final season of high schoolcompetition before moving on to the college level. They bothrecognize the importance of working hard in the classroom, too.

Semmie Smith, Ole Brook’s 1,000-yard running back, anticipates astrong senior season. He was recognized as The DAILY LEADER’s MostValuable Offensive Player on the 2008 All-Lincoln County FootballTeam.

Smith realizes the importance of academics as college coachescontact him about his future on the gridiron. His ACT score andclassroom GPA become as important as 100-yard rushingperformances.

“Classroom work is very important,” said Smith. “It’s importantas ability on the field. You can’t be a good player and a badstudent and expect to go somewhere.”

Smith has grown physically and mentally during his previous 2varsity seasons. He wants to become the best student/athletepossible.

“How you play and what you do in the classroom are equallyimportant,” said Smith. “Nowadays, it’s more important than beingon the field.”

Asked about his favorite courses, Smith said he likes biology.He enjoys history, too.

Ann Shelby Davis is an honor roll student with a 3.5 GPA. Shewas selected Most Valuable Player on the DL’s 2009 All-Area GirlsBasketball Team.

Asked about the change in eligibility for student/athletes,Davis said she favored the new grade requirements.

“I agree with it. If you want to be an athlete, you should beable to make good grades. If you don’t work hard in the classroom,you don’t deserve to play sports.

“You need to work hard because it is a privilege to playsports.”

Academic excellence has become a Wesson trademark. The LadyCobras maintained a scholarly 3.5 GPA as a team during their marchto the Division 6-2A Tournament championship and a berth in thestate playoffs.

Davis said Wesson coach Hugh Webb demands a good effort on thebasketball court and in the classroom. “Coach Webb always asks tosee our grades when we get our report cards. If we have a badgrade, he will go talk to the teacher to see what can be done toimprove.”

Special tutoring is available at most schools when a studentstruggles with a particular subject.

Athletes striving to achieve freshman eligibility on the collegelevel have received extra help thanks to a rewarding program ofinstruction provided by the Cellular South Gameplan educationalinitiative. They have an opportunity to prepare themselves for theACT examinations that students take in preparation for obtainingcollege scholarships