"A decade after graduation, almost everyone will have forgotten where and what they played. But every time they speak, everyone will know whether or not they are educated."
- Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh University of Notre Dame President

The Lightning Football Program is committed to the academic development of each player, manager, cheerleader, and trainer. We believe that a quality education is vital to success and personal fulfillment in later life. To reinforce these academic ideals, the football coaching staff has implemented an academic monitoring program that will be adhered to at all levels of play. Three times during each season each player will report current progress to his individual position coach. This will be accomplished by using a form created by the Lightning coaching staff. This form includes the categories of current grade in the class, ability to complete daily work by classroom deadlines, and an evaluation of the player's behavior in the classroom. If necessary, the coaching staff will intervene and help any athlete that is struggling in any of these three areas. Part of the intervention process will include contacting the teacher of the class and the parents of the player. If a problem continues to persist after a two week intervention further steps may be taken. Athletes that find themselves involved in the intervention program will be monitored throughout the year by other coaches in programs in which they may participate or by the coaches of the football program. It is the football staff's desire to take a proactive approach in relation to each player's academic progress.