A study class to help basketball players rebound academically is producing dramatic results. Since it was implemented at Orr School in November, grades for players have risen sharply, according to Principal Jon Metsa. "It used be that almost every basketball player had at least one failing mark," said Metsa. Now, out of a roster of 35 boys, only three failing marks from a possible 210 classes have been issued, Metsa said. "That's about a 90 percent improvement." The study class was initiated by Brandon Benner, head coach of the boys' basketball team at Orr, after his team lost several of its starters due to academic ineligibility.

Benner said he modeled the class after a similar one he attended when he was a student athlete at Orr.

"I was told by my high school coach that I concentrated better on the court when I worked harder in school. And since we won a few championships, I believed it," said Benner. "I'm just passing it on."

The class meets from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. prior to practices or games, Benner explained. Although originally started for struggling students, the class is open to everyone. The rules, according to Benner, are simple. "You have to be quiet, have a book and be doing homework," he said.

Benner supervises the class, using the time there to prepare for games or practices while ensuring that students stick to their studies.

The results speak for themselves.

Freshman Jacque Love is earning the best grades of his life. He failed four classes in the eighth grade, but is now earning a "B" average.

After bringing home report cards marked with "F's" and "D's," Brian Lumbar is receiving "C's," "B's" and one "D."

The only "A" that junior Jonathan Bergman received before was in gym. The rest of his marks were "D's" and "F's." He expects to make the "B" honor roll this quarter for the first time in his life. "I didn't think I could do it," he said.

Benner uses basketball as an incentive for students to adopt better study habits. Those who fail to follow the rules don't get to play.

"It improved my attitude about school," said Lumbar, who added, among other things, the rules stipulate that students who fail a class, are suspended or mouth off to a teacher can't play basketball.

But Benner uses basketball as a carrot in other ways to get students to study. He tells students that doing well in school will help them become better basketball players.

Love believes Benner. "On the court, you have to use your head a lot," he said. "If you don't do your work or concentrate, you're not going to make it. It's just plain and simple."

Benner said he can see the results in his team's play. "They're thinking a lot more," he said. "We switch a lot on our defenses and they have to be able to make those changes quickly. And they're learning to be more patient on offense."

Metsa said the class is having an impact beyond the basketball court. "It's cool to be considered successful in the classroom now," he said. "It's changing students' attitudes." Metsa said the coaches, teachers and students deserve the credit for the program's success and it shows how much the staff at Orr School cares about providing a quality education for students.

Benner, too, is pleased by the results so far and hopes that improvement continues. "Our goal eventually is not to need the class," he concluded. "But if they ever need a place to study, they know where to come."