Sports at a higher level

High school sports may seem like a commitment, going to practice every day, games one or more times a week, but college sports tell a different story, with most athletically inclined people having to endure different drills and workouts.

For those who make the major commitment that takes away enormous chunks of free time, it is also an opportunity to learn for free, while doing the things that those athletes love.

Not only that, but to further their athletic ability with challenges that push them past their limits, add in changes to more nutritious lifestyles or lifting sessions that destroy their muscles.

In order to make it into college sports, young athletes have to take matters into their own hands. “Well, you first have to dedicate your time to improving your skills generally,” athletic director Meghan Kunzelman said. “Either their athletic ability will be noticed by colleges and they’ll start recruiting them” or “the other way is that they can reach out to college coaches or colleges they’re interested in and fill out student athlete questionnaires.“

Coming from a small school, it is hard to have scouts notice an athlete’s ability, but by putting in just a bit of effort, the accomplishment is attainable.

Few high school athletes make it to the college level, but those who do have the luxury of being a part of something that could change their lives.

“If you are an athlete with any opportunity to compete at the next level. Do it,” thinks alumnus Jake Chapman who is on the track and field team for Oakland University. “The days can be long and tiring, but the lessons you learn and the friends you make are worth it.”

“My teammates are my biggest supporters,” fellow alum and quarterback at Case Western Reserve Mason Gee-Montgomery said. “They see what goes on between the lines so they know how my day went.”

Not only are there new friends to be made, but the college tuition reduction that comes with sports scholarships are worth the effort.

Most college athletes major in programs that would help them succeed, such as senior Mackenzie Williams who will be a part of the basketball team and plans get a degree at Madonna University.

“I’m actually getting a degree in biology to major in pre med,” Williams said.

Similarly, senior Madi Howard said, “I’m majoring in biomedical engineering at Trine University.” Howard is going for track and field.

The college sports life is a long and tiring endeavor that can be overwhelming. The schedule usually consists of multiple workouts a day as well as class.

“My daily schedule might consist of a 7 a.m. lift, followed by breakfast and then class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” said Gee-Montgomery. “After class is practice from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Then it’s time to study from 8 P.M. to 10 P.M. before heading to bed.”

These schedules may seem impossible, but for Gee-Montgomery and Chapman, it’s a day-to-day thing.“We try to get at least 8-12 miles a day in,” Chapman said.