I believe if you ask any major college faculty representative, NCAA Coach, PNS, PAS, or PMS - and even the upper class athletes - but only after they are close to graduating - LOL - did being a member of a varsity NCAA Division I team, rigorous academic courses, and ROTC, hurt or help a student - especially first year students - they will say it helped them. Especially that first year in college, when so many new experiences, new friends, new challenges can derail even the most disciplined 18 year old. Being a part of a group with which to identify, having focused upper class mentors who are fellow athletes, fellow cadets/midshipmen and coaches who monitor academics, physical fitness, and just keep an eye on their overall mental state - puts these young folks miles ahead of the average entering student.