When it comes to being a student athlete, physical and mental toughness are keys to success.
By TIFFANY MORALES
High School of Commerce
Are the demands of sports, school and home too much at times for players?
"It's a lot to juggle, but honestly, if you have the self-will, it's not that much at all, " said Gabriel Roman, who plays football for Renaissance School in Springfield.
We must give such players credit for their hard work, managing home problems, school work and two to three hours of practice a day.
These young men and women athletes strive, going the extra mile to succeed.
They have this pride written across their chest because they know and believe, they can handle anything.
These young adults are getting ready for the real world, training in process.
They are to climb the next mountain, and take on the next challenge. Some use sports to stay out of trouble, others have a passion for it.
I used to believe that, if you had one thing right, everything else MUST go wrong. But these students inspire, showing that everything and anything is possible.
"I'm looking for a student who knows the expectations of being a student first, and an athlete second and that works on and off the field with no excuses," said Commerce coach Tyrone Mathis.
When it comes to being a student athlete, physical and mental toughness are keys to success.
I feel these young athletes have too many demands on their time, but this challenge does instill responsibility, motivation, leadership and a positive mind set.
No matter their sport - football, soccer, volleyball, cross-country, basketball - student athletes strive.
They are the role models. Thank you, young athletes. Keep up the good work! We support you!
A version of this story was first published in the Red Raiders Commerce News, started by Tiffany Morales.