August 20, 2009

Associated Press
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NEW YORK - What school would have a course entitled BOSS? None other than Steinbrenner High School, where opening day is Tuesday in Lutz, Fla., near the home of Yankees patriarch George Steinbrenner.

The $60-million structure in Hillsborough County is fairly state of the art, and there are reports that some parents have been angling to stretch the boundaries to have their children included in the district. There are no empty seats to be had in this structure, where nearly 2,000 students will report.

To quickly clear up any misconceptions, Steinbrenner did not buy his way into naming rights, though his largely financial "good deeds" certainly earned him the honor.

"Over the years, Mr. Steinbrenner has been deeply involved in the community, particularly with the schools and the school system," said Steven Ayers, director of community relations for Hillsborough County public schools. "He's been very involved and very philanthropic. He's probably donated in tens of millions over the length of time. He's had a significant amount of money and significant amount of involvement in the community."

Steinbrenner High will have the usual old school subjects of English, math and science, but will kick it up a notch with offerings for students preparing for a career in sports. Sports marketing, sports medicine and the business of sports (BOSS), including George's specialty of entrepreneurship, will be available in grades 9-12. But the 79-year-old Steinbrenner will be the only senior associated this year with the school, which begins with grades 9-11.

Construction began less than two years ago, when Steinbrenner said he was "thankful and gratified with this enormous honor." Ayers expects Steinbrenner will be invited to the dedication, but said that typically occurs one year after a school opens. He said a picture of Steinbrenner probably would be displayed in the school.

The athletic teams, called the Warriors (Yankees was considered) will wear navy and gold uniforms (no names, of course) and, perhaps owing to the marketing sense of its namesake, school T-shirts are in pre-order for $10. Try comparing that to any similar piece of apparel at Yankee Stadium. Lunch at Steinbrenner will cost $2.75. That wouldn't buy a hot dog bun in the Bronx.

The football team plays its opening game against Strawberry Crest High. No, it was not named after Darryl.

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