HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: An active body is an active mind

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By Kristi Mensen, Dyersville Beckman sophomore

DYERSVILLE - Balancing academics and athletics is a challenge for many high school students.

Given the fact sports are going continuously, high school athletes have to spread their time appropriately among homework, sleep and academic pressures. The demands school and sports place on students can affect them on many different levels.

A priority for some students in high school is athletics. During a sports season, athletes put forth 100 percent into practices and games. While athletics are important, it is crucial for the students to be independent and complete their homework on time. Sleep also can take a backseat to athletics. Practices are long and tiresome and sufficient sleep is very important for a young, growing, athletic body. Studies show athletes do lack sleep.

'Most Beckman athletes are committed to both school and their sport," said Beckman English teacher and coach Michelle Geistkemper. "They understand the importance of their academics and put in the necessary time to ensure they are completing their obligations to their teachers and to their team.

"Because of this, sometimes sleep is not as much of a priority.'

Even though athletics demand a lot of time, there are positive outcomes. Staying active in sports may help the athletes stay organized and prepared for classes. An active body is an active mind.

'Part of the entire education helps round out the physical, mental and emotional part of school, and playing in an extracurricular activity is above the call of duty,' Beckman principal Patrick Meade said.

Coaches and teachers are a great inspiration to make these athletes be more academically involved. Coaches know it is important to put as much time into their school work as their sport. After all,  without good grades, students will be ineligible to play. This can lead to better academic decision-making.

Discipline is needed to organize how much time should be spent doing homework versus other tasks.

'Sports definitely help me keep track and manage time better because if I do not use my time wisely, I fall way behind and have to make sure everything is turned in and … all caught up,' Beckman senior Tony Anstoetter said.

The demands school and sports is a balancing act that takes a lot of work. Being an athlete helps high school students become more successful and organized.