Within every community, there are many different types of people, but within a school complex, the ones juggling it all are the student-athletes. In Owatonna, everyone prides themselves in sports, but they don’t see that these athletes are also balancing athletics as well as academics.

In Owatonna, in-season athletes are required to maintain a C (74%) or higher in each class to avoid missing games or practices. If grades drop below a C, students must sit out of all lifts, practices, and games until their grades are above a C and they are eligible for activities again.

Allison Johnson, a junior at OHS, a hockey player and softball player, talks about how there are times when trying to keep up with school work, as well as trying to keep up in sports, takes a toll on your mind, but also your body. Johnson has a unique way of keeping up in classes, such as, “I go to practice right after school and get home at about 5:30ish, I take a shower, eat some dinner, and only spend 5 minutes on my phone before starting on homework.” then proceeds to say, “During hockey season I would say I don’t have time to hangout with my friends until after a game on saturday or on sundays, but balancing school and sports has given me a different work ethic compared to other people”.

Studies have shown that student-athletes generally have better grades, higher GPAs, and improved academic outcomes compared to non-student-athletes. They often developed better skills in things like time management, discipline, focus, and leadership, as well as engaging in physical activity daily to help the brain function. They also experience lower dropout rates, higher graduation rates, and higher college attendance, due to the fact that success requires balancing sports with

studies.

Aleia Glende, a freshman at OHS, is also a wrestler and volleyball player. Glende juggles many things outside of sports, as she hangs out with friends and family a lot. She talks about how, “Balancing both school and sports is hard, but if you can get a hold of both, they have great outcomes”. Glende keeps her grades up by using her time wisely when she is at home or even just on long rides in the car, getting homework done or watching films from games or matches.

Keeping up in academics and athletics takes a big toll on you, but as long as you can use your time wisely and know your limits, there will be great things in the future.