I don't see the point being "making varsity". The point is the opportunity to diversify the learning experience, which for kids needs to be more than just academics. In my case, at a small school, I got to play varsity FB, BB, golf, and be in the band and choir. If I went to the big big high school, I could have done one, maybe two of those, or maybe even none (at least the way the big high schools are run here in TX). My "lesser" academic training from the small school hasn't hurt me as an engineer. I still use the band and choir skills today as social activities, and the sports skills have provided me numerous recreational opportunities through the years.