The Voice - Student Newspaper

Being skilled in multiple sports both a blessing and a curse

Three members of the Glendale Community College Track & Field team are suiting up in red and black for the second time this school year.

Two men played football last fall for Glendale, and one woman played volleyball.

I posed two questions to head coach Ralph Neighbors: 1) Do you think their participation in other sports gives them advantages that single-sport athletes don't have? 2) Does fatigue become a factor with players who do that?

His responses? "Not really" and "no."

Neighbors did have this to offer: it keeps them busy.

"Football players start around June, so they're doing a lot of training. We're not too concerned when they first come on about getting their legs hurt running or getting fatigued."

It's the fatigued part that grabs my attention and concern. When Neighbors responded "no" to my second question, he followed that up by saying, "not if they really love it."

I really love basketball, and I can honestly say, I get fatigued playing it. And that's just pickup and rec ball.

My body doesn't comprehend the rigors of intense practices six or seven days a week. I don't emotionally understand the toll of a coach constantly pushing you for more than what you've already given. I can admit I don't want to understand those things either.

For those who do love the game, however, they go through those extra "perks" that come with organized sports. Sure, there are highs during competition, but the long-term draw on the body and mind's respective energies has to take it's toll sooner than later for students still learning how to cope with it.

For the sake of athletic success, I hope the multiple-sport athletes for GCC are more durable than I am.

Please send comments to mnpetersen@gccvoice.com