Student-athletes take care of business on and off the field
0By Josh Little
Class, homework, study hall, practice, and games, sometimes all in one day. We all know a student-athlete on campus, how do they manage both athletics and academics?
Would you believe that over half of our undergraduates are athletes? According to Meg Sidle, the director of institutional research and effectiveness, 560 UPIKE students during the 2014 spring semester are also athletes.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a student in the classroom and an athlete on the court?
“The hardest part about being a student athlete is balancing time for practice and school work and having to miss classes for games,” said Josh Whitaker, a senior math major and UPIKE basketball player.
Within athletics, unplanned events occasionally pop up, such as tournaments or championship games that involve traveling. On the road, it is extremely hard to find time to study because generally you are busy with your day from the time you wake up until bedtime.
Studying on the road is not easy either. Bus rides are bumpy and usually loud, it’s easy for students to find themselves battling a headache or motion sickness from staring at a paper.
“Because I enjoy cheerleading so much, it is important that I prioritize my time between classes, practice, and traveling for games and athletic events, so that I can excel in staying active and maintaining my college career,” said Jaimie Ward, a junior communication major and cheerleader for the University of Pikeville.
What are some ways that these student athletes can stay on top of their game both on and off of the court, field, etc.?
“Here are some tips for student athletes regarding managing athletics and academics. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. Be aware of your schedule and obligations. Knowing what your expectations are ahead of time can help keep you from biting off more than you can chew. Always make time to study, even when you are tired. You are a student athlete and ‘student’ comes first. Plus, nobody wants to find out that they are ineligible because of poor grades. Use your transferrable skills. Being a collegiate athlete gives you a wide range of skills. Use what you know about being a team player on the court and in the classroom,” said Jocelyn McCown, director of residence life and former cheerleader at the University of Pikeville.
Most athletes would agree that it’s the love of the game that keeps them pursuing a stress-filled, yet rewarding college life.