John Leane, one-time Mesa County commissioner and now owner of Colorado West Custom Sports, provides officials for most sports in School District 51 and contracts with other school districts for officials. He has umpired baseball and softball games at various levels for many years. He says there has always been a certain number of obnoxious parents who question every call an official makes. But, he said, there seems to be more pressure on parents as well as youngsters.
             "One of the things I see, is that parents and families are making such a huge commitment in time and money to youth sports these days, it tends to warp their outlook," Leane said. "The expectation for kids to go on to college or the pros is not matched by the reality of the few who do. But parents seem to think, 'I put in so much time and effort, surely my son or daughter will go on to win a scholarship.' "
             I certainly agree that parents spend immense amounts of time these days getting their children involved in organized sports and ferrying them from event to event.
             Whatever happened to sandlot baseball games and pickup basketball and football games, where youngsters picked the teams and set the rules, not adults?
             I've also heard a good many parents who are convinced their children will win college athletic scholarships and object to any scheduling change or coaching decision which they believe threatens those scholarship chances.
             While many good high-school athletes may win a partial scholarship, few will get a full, four-year ride. Fewer still will make it to Division I college teams. I know of several top athletes from District 51 who attended events that showcased high-school athletic talents for Division I schools, only to realize they didn't have the athletic skills to compete at that level.
             Some of the parental pressure would subside, I think, if more viewed high-school sports as simply fun and
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