These players show up for every practice, every workout, every scrimmage and every game.

But their sports end where the starters' begin -- on the sidelines.

Reserves pay the same price as starters, but they make even bigger sacrifices because they have to be content with not receiving as much playing time.

Many high school sports today -- football, wrestling, cross country, and track and field -- do not have cuts. Everybody who comes out for the team makes it. Everyone just shows up the first day of practice ready to play.

The no-cut system in football means that perhaps 60 students form a roster, but only 25 receive significant playing time. Of the remaining 35 players, most will play on a "B" team or mop up in the fourth quarter if the outcome of the game is already decided.

These reserve players work just as hard as the starters. In some cases, they work harder. For instance, the lure of attempting to gain a starting spot causes many reserves to show coaches that they are more valuable than the current starters. If they work harder, they figure they may get a chance to take the starters' spots in the lineup.

Yet the sideline players are underappreciated by fans. These players attend workout sessions all year long and don't complain too loudly when they receive only a few minutes of playing time.

These no-cut sports do have their benefits for the reserves. They keep these players active and in shape at a time when more and more teenagers are growing unhealthy and obese. They also give these students something positive to do with their time.

The reserves also give the starters practice opponents to help the latter prepare for the next game. The reserves also keep a program rolling for the future. Some of the reserves are freshmen and sophomores who will mature into starters later in their careers.

One thing is for sure: these athletes -- and, yes, they are athletes -- should be recognized and praised for their hard work and commitment.

Many may think that these players are wasting their time participating in sports, but it's the sweat, blood and tears that keep these athletes around.

Not the faint and rare praise.