NewsLab

Every new school year requires a transition from summer vacation for students, but many people on the St. Scholastica campus also have to adjust to life as a student-athlete.

As a part of the CSS football and baseball teams, Scott Greening has had to make that transition quite rapidly.

In the weeks leading up to school, Greening was simply living the life of a football player. Now, Greening has added classes and baseball practice to his busy schedule.

"It seems pretty overwhelming so far," said Greening, "but I feel like that as soon as I settle in to a routine, everything will seem more natural."

Prior to attending CSS, Greening was a student-athlete at Whitewater College, but said the transition sneaks up on him every year. "It's something you know is going to happen, but it always seems to take a toll on me," said Greening.

Maren Fitzer, a member of the CSS cross country team, said the beginning of classes has had an effect on her.

"I love to run, and I do it quite often, but with classes happening now, I don't have as much ambition to go out after completing a day of school," said Fitzer. "Once I get used to it again, it's like nothing changes."

Coaches of college athletic programs are also affected by the beginning of classes. Greg Carlson, the CSS head football coach, said he has more time with his staff now that classes have started.

"The one nice thing is that we have a lot more time to prepare for games, watching film and getting our schedules set," said Carlson.

Despite the extra time to prepare, Carlson has noticed a downside to classes beginning.

"For the first couple of days of classes, there is generally less focus from the players, especially the first year student-athletes," said Carlson. "The first day of classes, I could point out about seven or eight players that seemed like they were in a fog."

Both commitments are important as well as time consuming for student-athletes, but Greening said he has no complaints.

"We just have to keep doing what we do at the best of our ability, and everything will fall into place," said Greening. "We have to be at our best, no matter what."