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 IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-3-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

The recent retirement of Colts quarterback Andrew Luck caught the entire football world off guard. There is much speculation for the reason, but Andrew cited current and past injuries as the main reason. It's never easy for any athlete to walk away from their sport, and especially at the professional level where so much money can be left on the table.

Most people have supported Luck with his decision, but there will always be naysayers who want to make this more about them and tweet negative comments and opinions. Regardless, Luck came to the conclusion that now was the time for him.

There comes a moment in every athlete's career when it's time to step away from the sport they have played. The reasons can range from injury, lack of ability, or loss of desire. When the time comes for you to make that difficult decision, I hope it's because you have come to that conclusion on your own and for all the right reasons. 

In the meantime, cherish those moments you have now with your teammates and coaches. Have fun every day and enjoy the comaraderie.  These days are never guaranteed!

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"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

I'm a firm believer that high school athletes are made in the summer.  It's the one season where you have the free time to outwork and outdo your opponents.

Even if you have a job, it's much easier to work around than spending all day at school and worrying about school work every night.  In other words, there are no excuses.

What will you do this summer to improve yourself? Will you work on the things that help you improve? Are you willing to work out a couple of times a day? Will you truly work on your weaknesses and continue to work on those things that you are already good at?

Summer time gives you that chance to improve, grow, learn, and concentrate on those things that will make you better next school season. Don't let the athlete at a rivalry school gain the advantage that you are striving to achieve. So do your homework this summer!

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"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

Are you an athlete that works hard but still comes up short when it comes to having all the skills necessary to be an elite player? If so, you are not alone. In fact, I would say most high school athletes mature later than they desire.

If that is the case, what can you do to give yourself an advantage over others with the same issue? Besides the obvious of extra workouts and time spent in the weight room, what else could work to your advantage?

The mental part of your sport is the one thing that can set you apart from others. What if you could start each game or individual sport with a lead? Now I have you thinking, right?

A coach was recently quoted as saying this exact thing about a player who was lightly recruited because of his athleticism. He stated his player's intelligence means he "always starts the race with a lead." He ended up with a Division I scholarship.

Don't underestimate the importance of knowing the inside and out of your particular sport. That intellect could help you gain a bigger advantage than you ever imagined!

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"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

In a recent interview for Golf magazine, PGA professional Jason Day spoke about the challenges on the tour, he talked about how to stay motivated and also the obstacles he and others face on a weekly basis.

Playing high school sports is not much different.  Every athlete faces challenges sometime during their season.

"I've been on the tour for 12 years, Day said. I've won 12 times. It's a grind every single season-if you want to be good. Some years it's hard to stay on top of it. Others, it seems easy to work your butt off."

Regardless of your grade, sometimes during a season or the school year, your sport can become a grind.  It's normal, it's natural, so don't think you are out there all alone. It's part of the process of being an athlete, whether you are high school age or a professional!

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"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

Feeling sorry for yourself and pointing fingers at others doesn't accomplish a thing. Instead, find one positive from a negative situation and be happy about it and move forward. Everyone has problems and you probably understand your situation better than anyone else, especially if you take the "happy" approach!

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