By Junichi Senat ‘28
Being an athlete at Conestoga Valley is a way of being involved within the school. However, these athletes must also keep in mind their academics. “Trying to balance between homework and sports suck,” said junior track athlete Januel Rosario Garcia.
Finding time to study while doing a sport can be tricky and overwhelming for some students. Wrestler Noah Lee (10) talked about how he either needs to do his work right after school before his practice, or later after practice at night.
There are supports in place. Track player Amari Roanne (11) talked about how he always has the option of Learning Lab if he falls behind. Learning Lab runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Rosario Garcia said if he falls behind he can always ask a teacher, friend or even a tutor for help.
While the balance can be challenging for student athletes, for others it doesn’t faze them. Basketball player Jesse Stark (11) said he doesn’t really struggle with his grades because he is “intelligent.”
At Conestoga Valley, two F’s makes an athlete ineligible for their sport. However, some students see that as too low of a bar. “I aim for A’s but B’s aren’t bad,” said Lee. Stark said A’s only are good enough for his standards.
The mental side of being a student athlete can be a struggle for these students.“I [have] definitely felt overwhelmed before. I just think the best way to get over it is not to get distracted and keep positive and try and fight through it,” Roanne said.