Xavier seniors devote passion — and time — to 4 sports

CEDAR RAPIDS — Time is arguably one of the most valuable gifts a person can give.

Being an athlete takes dedication, hard work, commitment and time to reach your potential.

Two Xavier High School seniors — Jack Lux and Sean Steffen — are four-sport athletes and understand what it was and is like to devote their time to their sports.

Lux participates in football, basketball, track and baseball, while Steffen participates in golf, basketball, track and baseball. Lux was one of the captains for the football and basketball teams and both are track captains.

Lux started playing organized sports around the age of 5 through the YMCA and Steffen played basketball and soccer beginning at the age of 4 through the Cedar Rapids Recreation Department and Cedar Hills baseball.

“Each of the four sports have certainly helped Jack develop physically, mentally and emotionally,” Tami Lux, Jack’s mom, said. “We have seen growth in his personal confidence, his athletic performance and in his physical and mental preparation in the different sports. This has become more evident as he has matured throughout his high school career.”

Steffen’s parents have seen his participation in sports impact the person he is today.

“Sean approaches life very similarly to how he approaches sports,” said Sherry Steffen, Sean’s mom. “He works extremely hard at whatever he does and always puts the greater good over his own personal advantage.

“He is content to not be noticed and yet is so happy to see others achieve success. While every day he works to get better, he knows who he is and likes who that person is. We are excited to see what the future holds for him.”

Playing four sports can be a challenge for most, but Jack and Sean have found ways to play all the sports they love.

“My love for sports has driven me in life to get good grades and manage time well,” Jack said. “It has helped me keep working when things do not go my way, which will really help in life.”

Although the sports can be time consuming, they also are an escape from reality for a short amount of time.

“Being an athlete has shaped me into the person I am today by helping me learn how to handle adversity and persevere through it, as well as building lasting friendships with my teammates, which has helped me through life, always giving me something to look forward to,” Sean said.

Jack credits Xavier for making him the person he is today.

“I love the atmosphere and culture of each sport at Xavier. I will definitely miss it in college,” Jack said. “We have the best fans and students and our programs are top notch in the state year in and year out. We have the best coaches that shape us into the athletes we need to become to accomplish our goals.”

Overall, the attitudes Jack and Sean bring to practices and games make them successful throughout each of their four sports.

“He (Sean) has a short memory when things do not turn out the way one would like and approaches each opportunity as a new day,” Eric Steffen, Sean’s dad, said. “Nobody works harder than he does. He takes pride in being a great sport and shows respect to officials, coaches, teammates and opponents.”

Jack has been described as energetic, which sets him up to be a good teammate and player.

“Jack has a zest for life and every activity he is involved in. He has a tough, competitive side to him, but he can also be very caring and compassionate at the same time,” said dad, Kevin Lux. “So whether he is competing or practicing, he just has fun. We love that about him.”

Their teammates also see Jack and Sean’s commitment and dedication to their sports everyday.

“Both Sean and Jack work hard and strive to be better than any other player on the field or court,” senior Jaxon Rexroth said. “They also push their teammates to want to win. Both of them have left lasting legacies on each sport they play and are role models for the younger kids.”

Whether it be a practice or a game, Jack and Sean continually impress their parents and teammates in everything they do.