Many know the athletes on the court or field from newspaper interviews, awards, state championships, and walking down the hallways as a freshman looking up to the successful high school athletes.

But, many don’t know the high school students themselves. Being a high school athlete is not easy. Students have lifting after school and late practices followed by either going to work or doing homework in their time. Time management is key for these students, but it is important to stay active in high school. Staying active in high school is the advice many seniors offer.

Zach Kemp, ‘18, won several of the student athlete awards handed out to a senior. Zach participated in football, wrestling, track and field, and baseball. There was no such thing as an off-season for Kemp. Kemp won the Gailen P. Thomas Award for showing great dedication to each individual sport as well as showing great class on and off the field.

Kemp explained why he does several sports and why it is important to stay active in high school. “Being a guy that loves competition, I believe that I most enjoy the competitive factor that you don’t get in school,” Kemp said. “It is very important to stay active because you do not get some of the needed experiences just going to the classroom. You need sports, for these experiences help you later on in life.”

Staying active in sports and other extra activities in school helps students manage their time more efficiently. Most will agree it is easier to get homework done when they are busy rather than have all the free time in the world. Having time management is an essential for work later in life.