[stuttgart46]

IMHO it's become a lot better in regards to academics and athletes. My sons are both high school athletes and keeping up with your academics is stressed on a regular basis by their coaches. Most colleges aren't just looking for another dumb jock. Football has advanced to as much of a chess match as it is about brute strength and you need some smarts to keep up. My sons have mandatory tutorials that are part of their football program that they must attend twice a week. It helps them keep up with their homework without compromising time in the weight room and practice field. For the coach, it ensures (or helps) to make sure that his stud QB makes grades.
I wish it had been like this when I was in HS.
Now, are there still dumb kids out there that slip through the cracks? You bet.