Jackson Rees posing for a phoo. Photo by Snow College Athletics.
For college athletes, getting good grades is not their only concern during their college career. Jackson Rees is in his second year at Snow College. Rees is also the kicker for the Snow College football team. “I have more stuff to do than a normal college student,” states Rees. During our discussion, Rees described his busy schedule. His days start with waking up at 5:30AM, then lifting with the football team from 6:00 am to 7:00 AM. After going to the gym with the team, Rees rushes home to eat breakfast and get ready for his first class of the day at 8:30AM. His classes end around 12:30 PM.
However, Rees still has more to complete before his day is over. Rees then attends several team meetings, beginning around 2.00 PM. When the team meetings are completed, football practice begins. Practice is usually at least 2 hours. During practice Rees works on his form, technique, speed, and flexibility. After these general warm ups with the team, Rees then works on his kicking. After 2 hours, or possibly longer, of practice, Rees is finally done with football for the day. However, Rees still has more to complete before he can relax. Rees goes home, eats dinner, and then works on the homework assignments that he was given from each of his various classes.
Student athletes are responsible for balancing their weeks between the sport that they play, and the school work that they need to complete. During their season, student athletes are constantly playing games, or possibly even traveling around the country to compete against other teams. This adds even more to their already busy schedule. These athletes always have to be prepared for their next game, while also being prepared for class the next day. Rees, for example, has at least 4 hours of his day solely dedicated to
football. Tyson Capps, Rees’ roommate, states “Student athletes need to work a lot more than regular students.” Capps has been a direct observer of just how busy Rees’ schedule can be.
In conclusion, college athletes have to work a lot harder than the average college student.
They are required to maintain their grades, while also maintaining their sport. They have to maintain home games and away games, and find a way to coordinate their school work with these demands. Through talking to Rees, it is apparent just how much dedication it takes to be a
college athlete