Like many have mentioned I was also 17 when I graduated, but as a father who had 2 son's at the age of 30 & 36, I put some thought into their futures at that time, and not after my kid showed promise as decent athlete's . Unlike many who apparently put little thought into little Johnny growing up, I always remenbered saying to myself & wife, that we would not start our kids in kindergarden until they were 6 yrs old, because boys in general mature later in life and knew it would be in their best intrest for social, classroom and athletic reasons. I like many always thought to myself what if I would have had that extra year and would have been competeing at the age of 18 as a senior instead of 17, but I think the statement you make holding a child back who is not struggling in the classroom or socially is wrong. Clearly you are making the statement spoken or not, that athlectics are more important than anything else at that time.
If the child is behind his classmates in other ways thats one thing, but to just say we are willing to change your childs status in school just for athletics is no diffrent than saying "your not good enough", and we are willing to abuse the rules to make you more competitive in your sport! There is a big diffrence thinking ahead what's best for your child when he's in diapers, than waiting to see if he's performing up to daddy's standards athleticly as a middle school kid. I know a few wrestler's will give your Mr. Hall all he wants, and are looking forward to that challange, so good luck to him and the others that will force him and or anyone else to earn that title!!! Just My Opinion.....