Retired Coach Calls for Stronger Support for High School Athletics and Student Development
WEIRTON, WV / ACCESS Newswire / December 17, 2025 / Longtime educator and coach Howard Pauchnik has been featured in a new industry spotlight article highlighting his decades-long career in teaching and athletics. In the interview, Pauchnik uses his platform to advocate for stronger community support for high school athletics - a system he believes plays a critical role in shaping leadership, confidence, and long-term life skills in young people.
Pauchnik, who spent his career teaching history and coaching basketball and baseball across West Virginia, Ohio, and Oklahoma, says his message is simple: sports are not just games - they are tools that build future leaders.
"Teenagers know when an adult cares about them," Pauchnik said in the feature. "Sports give them structure, preparation, and a chance to learn how to handle success and failure. These lessons stay with them long after they leave the gym."
A Career Built on Developing Young Leaders
Throughout the spotlight article, Pauchnik reflects on how coaching and teaching blended into one mission: helping students understand discipline, prepare for challenges, and believe in themselves.
He emphasizes the value of athletic programs at a time when participation is declining nationwide. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), high school sports participation has dropped by over 400,000 students since 2018 - the largest decline in 30 years.
"Kids need structure more than ever," he said. "Sports give them clear expectations, a team to rely on, and adults who show up for them every single day. That kind of consistency changes lives."
The Power of Preparation and Routine
Known for his straightforward coaching style, Pauchnik brings attention to one principle in particular: the importance of preparation.
"You don't rise to the occasion - you rise to your level of preparation," he said. "If students learn that early, they can apply it to school, work, and life."
Research strongly supports this approach. A 2023 Journal of Youth Development study found that high school athletes are 15% more likely to graduate, 40% more likely to maintain a 3.0 GPA, and significantly less likely to engage in high-risk behaviors.
"These numbers show what we already know from experience," Pauchnik said. "Athletics keep students focused, accountable, and connected."
A Call for Community Support
In the press release, Pauchnik emphasizes that supporting youth sports doesn't have to require money or large commitments. Instead, he encourages communities to do what they can with what they have.
"You don't need a title to make a difference," he said. "Show up to a game. Volunteer to help. Encourage a student. Every little bit counts."
He points to several simple ways individuals can strengthen their local programs:
Ways People Can Support Student-Athletes on Their Own
Attend high school games to boost team morale
Donate gently used equipment
Volunteer for transportation, concessions, or event setup
Encourage local students to join a team or try a new sport
Share information about teams and games on social media
Offer mentorship, tutoring, or academic support
"Communities make these programs possible," Pauchnik said. "If a town shows up for its students, those students will show up for their future."
Advocating for Continued Investment in Youth Sports
The spotlight article positions Pauchnik as a respected voice calling for renewed focus on student development. His decades in the classroom and on the court give him a grounded understanding of what students need - and what many schools struggle to provide.
He notes that nearly one in four U.S. schools have reduced athletic funding since 2020, according to Education Week, creating long-term challenges for staffing, equipment, and program quality.
"We can't afford to lose these programs," Pauchnik said. "They build confident, capable adults. Every kid deserves that chance."
Call to Action
Pauchnik encourages individuals, families, and communities to reflect on how they can strengthen youth athletics in their own area.
"Start small," he says. "One action is better than no action. The goal is to create an environment where kids feel supported and prepared - on and off the court."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
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SOURCE: Howard Pauchnik
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
