Balancing Act
High school sports fans see the game-winning hits, clutch free throws and tide-turning interceptions.
But performing well academically is another challenge facing student athletes that, while not noticed by as many people, is more important than their accomplishments on the athletic stage.
“It's always been a bit challenging to keep up with both,” said Slippery Rock High senior Morgan Siebka. “There have been a few tests that I think I would have done better on if it wasn't for a late game and me going to bed right when I got home. But overall, I think I've maintained it pretty well.”
Setting a standard
Many student athletes know the standard they must meet in the classroom long before they reach high school.
“My parents instilled in me the importance of academics at a young age,” said Kevin Giallonardo, the starting shortstop on Mars' baseball team. “They've always pushed me to do my best. As long as I give my best effort, they're happy with that.”
Siebka picked up several sports at a young age. During her freshman and sophomore years, she was a three-sport star for the Rockets, excelling in soccer, basketball and track. A knee injury last spring kept her off the track and forced her to sit out her senior season in soccer.
Still, she returned to play basketball last winter and now is a middle distance runner on the track squad.
“I've been playing sports and keeping my grades up for so long, I know what to expect,” she said, “but it definitely keeps me on my toes.”
Siebka has a 3.8 GPA despite a course load that includes five honors or advanced placement classes.
“I never wanted to just give up one of the sports I was playing,” she said. “I also knew I had to keep my grades up. The way I look at it, I chose to take on that responsibility and if I couldn't handle it, that's on me.”
Choosing to play sports in high school while still making solid grades often requires making the most of small bits of time.Moniteau senior softball player Chloe Eshenbaugh has mastered this while carrying a 3.5 GPA.“I'm usually able to get most of my homework done while I'm still in school,” she said. “I also can work or study before a softball game or practice and if there's anything left, I stay up at night until it is done.”A 40-minute bus ride home from an away basketball game can be turned into a study session.“The bus driver will leave the lights on so we can get things done,” Siebka said. “And before we leave the school for a road game, we can study or do homework in the locker room or library because they leave it open for us.”Giallonardo played both baseball and basketball through the ninth grade, but focused his athletic skills on just baseball beginning with his sophomore year.“I've actually found that my grades are a bit better in the spring,” he said. “During baseball season, I have less time to spare, so it forces me to do a better job of budgeting my time.”He has done that and then some. While tackling AP biology and calculus, Giallonardo has a 4.5 GPA. He will not play sports in college, but will still have much on his plate.“I had a chance to play baseball at a few Division III schools, but passed that up to go to the University of Notre Dame and major in finance.”Sometimes, holding onto a desired GPA means sacrificing a sport.Ryan Deemer, a junior at Butler, bypassed his sophomore season on the swimming team.“I was taking all honors classes and had run cross country in the fall that year,” he said. “I started getting backed up in school and felt a bit overwhelmed, so I decided not to swim. It was a tough decision to make because I had a lot of friends on the team, but grades come first and my parents supported me wholeheartedly.”Deemer returned to the swimming team last winter and qualified for both the WPIAL and PIAA meet.
There are many student athletes who struggle to find success, or enough of it, on their report card. Tips from those who make the team and the grade can set them in the right direction.“It comes down to time management,” said Deemer, who has a 4.26 GPA. “I'm still taking honors classes, but I've gotten better managing my time and that's why I was able to rejoin the swimming team.“Know everything that you need to do and use your free time wisely,” he added. “That way, you don't have to worry about getting things done at the last minute.”“Ask for help,” said Giallonardo. “A lot of people are ashamed to do that. When playing sports, grades become secondary for a lot of kids, but you have to find time to study.“You're always going to have days here and there when you wish there was a few more hours in the day, but I have a routine and it works really well for me.”
