It’s the time of year when high school seniors decide which college or university to attend in the fall. I recently read a blog by Stefan Scrafield, a writer for the Dallas Morning News, which was directed at Kyler Murray, a four-star, duel-threat quarterback from Allen, Texas. Along with football, Kyler is also an accomplished baseball prospect. The blog aimed to convince Murray of the merits of the University of Texas over Texas A&M. The blogger argued the following five reasons why life as a Longhorn would be better for Murray than life as an Aggie:
1. Academic Prestige
2. Better baseball
3. Live music scene
4. Diverse culture
5. Night life
While I agree with two of Scrafield’s points, I take issue with the rest of these priorities. As I have said many times, all athletes should aim to get into a school with strong academic programs. And in Kyler’s case, I agree with the second point as well. Aside from being one of the greatest high school football players in the country, Kyler has also caught the eye of baseball scouts. For him, better baseball is an advantage UT has over A&M.
The third item on Scrafield’s list is “Live music scene.” Here is where our opinions diverge. I strongly disagree with this being a real consideration for choosing a college, unless the student-athlete is also pursuing musical studies. Sure, it’s great to enjoy live music, but that shouldn’t be a main focus of an athlete’s time during college.
Regarding the fourth item on Scrafield’s list, it’s true that Austin has a more diverse culture than College Station, Texas. But from my perspective, college students benefit from spending their time as co-eds in a real college town. Austin, home of the University of Texas, is filled with politicians, businessmen, and artists. The city’s claim to fame is its music scene, and its promoters tout Austin as the Live Music Capital of America. It definitely has an active nightlife, but is that what I should consider a priority in choosing where I want to send my child to live on his own for the first time?! As Scrafield points out himself, Cleveland Brown quarterback and former Aggie Johnny Manziel spent a lot of time hanging out there. And his story (and recent trip to rehab) proves there really is such a thing as too much fun.
A lot of young people really can’t handle social situations where alcohol flows freely and they do not have a curfew. From a mom’s point of view, I’d steer clear of schools where an active nightlife is one of its best qualities.
In contrast, College Station, home to Texas A&M, is more of a small town. It is filled with polite people and loads of southern charm. True that it’s kind of in the middle of nowhere. This helps keep the focus on the college. Most activities are student-focused, and there’s much more to do than drink and party on the weekends.
In College Station, Kyler Murray will literally be part of the family. His father Kevin Murray, played QB for Texas A&M from 1983-1986, and to follow in his father’s footsteps would be another milestone in Kyler’s promising career. Admittedly, Texas A&M is a family affair for the Pugh’s as well. Both of my children, Jordan and Dominique chose to attend college there. I’m proud to say it was a great choice.