PLU strength and conditioning coach Chris Wood looks on as an athlete does a squat exercise. Athletes put in an average of eight hours a week in strength and conditioning programs. Photo by Chris Hunt.
Glory, passion and love of the game. All reasons to participate in collegiate athletics.
You may see athletes walking around campus, probably in numbers with other teammates. But do you don’t know what goes into being a student athlete at Pacific Lutheran University. Student athletes put in hours to participate in an activity that lacks the glory they may receive if they attended a Division I University.
“Many people do not know what it takes to be a student athlete,” PLU Athletic Director Laurie Turner said. “It can be a lot of work.”
Turner says that there are many things that go into being a student athlete. Not only do student athletes have practices and games they must fit into their schedule of class work and a job, but being a student athlete is also a full time job. Athletes take on responsibilities such as hosting prospective student athletes, organizing team events, fundraising and community service events. Just because the athletes that attend PLU are not always the most high profile they still have to be dedicated hard-working athletes.
“Students who become Division III athletes often believe it is easier than larger schools,” Turner said. “But we still expect to be successful and win games and there is much work that must go into that.”
Athletes at PLU can put in as many as twenty hours into their sport per week during season. This includes a recommended eight hours of strength and conditioning per week, said strength and conditioning coach Chris
Wood.
Wood said he believes it is important to put in extra time and effort on top of what comes with regular practices and competitions. Before Wood arrived at the PLU athletic department in 2007, there was not much of a conditioning program of which to speak. Often, athletes thinking of becoming collegiate athletes did not understand the importance of conditioning to become successful, Wood said.
“I have to let people know, now you’re a college athlete, not high school, it is a year round commitment,” Wood said.
The time and commitment required to participate in athletics at PLU are substantial enough that only the dedicated student athletes end up participating.
“The people who come in to work are the ones who want to be there,” Wood said. “People who don’t want to work are not here. I only see the committed ones.”
With all of the time that goes into being a student athlete at PLU, athletes often struggle managing their time. Free time is often rare to non-existent.
“You have to be efficient with your time. Studies go first. It is hard to balance tennis and school together to be successful,” junior tennis captain Kevin Floyd said.
At PLU, teams are often seen as the face of the university. Athletes are sent to different parts of the region and often different parts of the country. They must represent the school in a positive fashion, Turner believes.
“Student athletes are a reflection of our department, they are our ambassadors,” Turner said.
Without the glory and scholarship money that could come along with participating in athletics at a larger school, athletes must find other reasons to participate in their sport.
Though being a student athlete at a division III school can pose difficult issues that must be overcome by those who participate in them, Turner believes that there are many benefits to being a student athlete. When athletes leave PLU they are stronger people than when they entered the university.
“College athletics are a vehicle to help impact people for the rest of their lives,” Turner said. “They are able to be better leaders for the rest of their lives.”
Even though student athletes at PLU are often not looking to move into the pro ranks or looking to make a living off their sport, there are many benefits to being a Division III athlete after receiving a degree. Student athletes leave PLU with valuable experiences that will benefit them for the rest of their lives, said Turner.
“Being a student athlete actually helps you excel at academics and life, it helps you manage your time. It is a mental and physical workout that helps you manage during crunch time,” senior tennis player John DeMars said.
Next time you run into an athlete, either on the field or in the classroom, just remember how much time they put into representing PLU.
You have a very informative article. The only problem is there is only one sports team really featured in your article. Also, they were very brief references. I feel like you should maybe focus on one of those students.
For example, focus on Demars and how he is a student-athlete as well as ASPLU president. Focus on how he manages his time. I think it would make for a much interesting article.
Also, a quick fix that could be done is talk to some athletes on other sports teams. These athletes might have a different perspective on how they see PLU sports and might bring some insight from another area that could considered very interesting.
Overall, the article is very informative though. You have done good, thought out research.
Great quotes, they really make the piece come alive. I don’t think people know the strains of being a Division III athlete and your article provides an open dialogue about the subject. Time management and prioritizing work are the most important aspects of a successful college career and you show how student-athletes cope with the increased participation.