DR. WALLACE: I'm an all-conference high school football player and a pretty good local player, even though I know I'm not good enough to play for a major college someday. So, I busted my rear end practicing and getting beat up on the football field this past school year; my only reward was a varsity letter that I could wear on my athletic jacket. At least that could be considered a big deal in the past — but apparently not anymore at our school.

This past year, our principal — who has a son who plays a horn in the school band — allowed all marching band members to get a school letter. The only difference between the two is that the athlete's letter has a small symbol of the sport played, and the band letter has a small horn. From a distance, a person couldn't tell the difference between an athlete and a horn blower.

I got bruised and battered during football games, and the band members just walk around tooting a horn at halftime. The only bruise a band member would even get would occur if they tripped and bumped a knee.

If athletes didn't perform on the field, a band wouldn't be needed anyhow. I am not the only athlete who feels let down by this. A lot of my teammates feel the same way. Everything seems so diluted nowadays.

Thanks for allowing me to vent. I'm sure you can tell that I'm pretty frustrated. — Footballer, Denver

FOOTBALLER: In case you were not aware, participating at halftime for athletic events is just a small part of the total school band program. In addition to athletic events, bands perform at competitions, marching parades and also many community functions.

Athletes get more attention because the press covers almost all football and basketball games, from professionals down to high school players. That's because Americans have a love affair with sports.

But that doesn't mean that athletics are more important than a music program. Both are extremely important at the high school level. They both promote spirit and pride. If you think marching bands aren't popular, the next time you watch a parade that features a high school band, notice the way the spectators respond. It's always formidable. As a former high school administrator, I respect the athletic and music programs equally. Both serve important roles in the total educational process.

But from your letter, it sounds to me like you're missing a big point: You're playing football because it makes you feel important. If you'd play for the love of the game, you'd be a lot less concerned about the status of one activity compared to another, much less a small patch on a jacket.

Enjoy your athletic participation awards, as you've certainly earned them via hours of practices that involved blood, sweat and maximum efforts. You and all of your teammates are to be commended. Be proud of your athletic accomplishments, but never belittle the accomplishments of your fellow students. They are practicing, performing and succeeding in their own way. Good athletes should also be good sports.

TEARING UP IS NOT A PROBLEM

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 14-year-old guy who was selected as the most valuable player on our freshman football team. I also earned a varsity letter in wrestling. I won eight matches and lost only two. I'm probably considered to be a pretty tough guy, but I do have a flaw.

Sad things make me cry. I don't sob, but I do tear up. Am I doomed to be a "crier," or will I have to see a "shrink" when I get older to get rid of this unwanted problem? — Ashamed, via email

ASHAMED: You don't have a problem, and you should absolutely not feel ashamed. Crying is a natural human response to pain, sorrow and even joy. By crying, you are showing that you feel deeply and are in tune with your emotions, and this is critical for maintaining good mental health.

Society teaches boys that they should not cry and that they should be "macho." Society is wrong on this one for sure. Boys and men can be very tough in many situations and many facets of life and still feel human emotions that touch them deeply from time to time. Don't be upset that you tear up on occasion. Your tears show you are a caring individual.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.