From A to Zzz's

Whitley Emerson knows all about the physical demands of playing three sports. Balancing her sports with academics, sleep and even nutrition, can be equally challenging. Emerson, a senior at Speedway High School plays volleyball, basketball and softball. She hopes to play volleyball in college, but with one more year of competition in high school, she resumes her hectic schedule after a busy but relaxing summer. "I don't have to worry about homework and sleep during summer, so I enjoy it as much as I can," she said. "Volleyball and basketball seasons are my busiest times of the school year." Emerson says the key to succeeding in sports and academics is to be organized. "I write down all my responsibilities in a journal and stick to it," she stated." My mother makes sure that I have enough to eat before games and practice. She's in charge of nutrition and I take care of everything else. Homework always comes first, and I try to go to bed by 10 p.m." Finding a healthy balance between school, sports and sleep is not easy with the demands placed on student athletes. The pressure to excel in sports and academics can take its toll on high school students, and it's up to each individual to find the time to get everything done that's expected of them. Student-athletes that specialize in one sport tend to have more time for studying and rest as opposed to the two and three-sport athletes. A student who plays one sport is able to get into a daily routine, where those who play multiple sports have to make adjustments throughout the school year. Mooresville senior Matt Kenney has played basketball and football during his first three years in high school. After earning a basketball scholarship to play at Valparaiso University, Kenney has decided not to play football his senior year, and concentrate on basketball full time. "Football is big here at Mooresville, and it takes a huge commitment to play," he said. "Once school starts, we're practicing and watching film every day. I was only able to play basketball on the weekend. "I always tried to get my homework done at school, so I could get home and relax a little. Playing one sport gives me more time for school and sleep. Classes start at 7: 30 a.m., and I normally try to go to bed at 11 p.m." Brownsburg senior Austin Fish was a goalie for the soccer team for the past three years. He's also the starting guard for the defending 4A state champion Bulldogs. Like Kenney, he's decided to drop one sport and only play basketball his senior year. "Basketball is now a year-round thing for me now that I don't play soccer," said Fish. "Getting to the gym at 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday forces me to get a good night of sleep. I go to bed early and probably get more sleep than I need. I always have plenty of time after school to do homework. Once the season starts and we start playing games, I come home more tired. Homework and school has never been an issue for me. You just have to prioritize your responsibilities." Jenaya Hooks, a junior at Arsenal Tech is another three-sport athlete. As a member of the track, soccer and swim team, she has learned how important it is to be organized while balancing her busy schedule. "I have to pre-cook my weekday meals, so when I'm ready to eat I can just heat up my food," said Hooks. "It saves me time to do everything else." Hooks admits that she rarely gets eight hours of sleep on school nights, but says she makes up for it throughout the day. "I sleep and do homework every chance I get. Sometimes, I sleep on the bus before a game, and on the way back. I may sacrifice sleep one night with a lot of homework, but I usually have less homework the next night. Most of my homework is done before practice or a game. If I have homework to do when I get home, I turn everything off, close my door and get to work." Hooks takes a break from school sports in the summer and volunteers at various soccer and track camps, but manages to work out as often as she can in preparation for the upcoming season. Fishers senior Drew Shields is the defending track and field state champion in the 800 and 1600 meter -runs. Last fall, he finished fifth in the state cross country meet. As a runner, Shields' ability to have discipline and organization in his busy schedule are products of the sports in which he participates. "We run at 5:45 a.m. twice a week, so you better be prepared," Shields stated. "I try to get as much homework done as possible during school. After practice I start on my homework, take a short break and eat dinner around 7 p.m. After dinner, I finish my work and go to bed. "There is no offseason between cross country and track. You just keep running all year round. Track season is harder because we have multiple meets during the week. Cross country season is more organized, because most of the meets are on a Saturday." All of the athletes agree that the key to keeping up in the classroom is to spend their free time wisely. Getting the proper amount of rest is also vital to each student athlete. A lack of sleep can cause a student to fall asleep in the classroom and can even lead to poor grades. It can also prevent them from performing to the best of their abilities. "School and sports are important, but you need sleep to do well on the field and in the classroom," said Fish. "I've never gotten to the point I couldn't get enough sleep." -