In an age of rising fuel costs, unregulated inflation, and programs such as No Child Left Behind, the student athlete is the one being shortchanged. Districts are now forced to cut down on athletic programs and other extracurriculars such as orchestra and drama club in an effort to meet stricter math and English demands in No Child Left Behind. Studies show that students that participate in sports programs perform better on tests such as the SAT, and are less likely to use illicit drugs or have unprotected sex. Educators realize the benefit of athletic programs but now must depend on students and parents bear some brunt of the cost. Will the budget cuts and rising costs in schools require bake sales and car washes just to have weekly basketball games?