The way I see it is this:
If a child has interest and talent in band they can take many band courses throughout their high school career.
If a child has interest and talent in singing, they can take many vocal courses throughout their high school career.
If a child has interest and talent in welding, they can take many welding courses throughout their high school career.
If a child has interest and talent in auto mechanics, they can take many auto mechanics courses throughout their high school career.
ETC...
Therefore, if my child has an interest and talent in athletics, they should be able take many athletic courses throughout their high school career. It is an easy argument to make regarding the life lessons learned in athletics are great.