Athletes get ahead with summer classes

Student athletes face both the demands of a grueling training schedule and season as well as a full load of classes during the fall and spring semesters.

Many athletes choose to take summer courses to either keep them on track for graduation or to alleviate stress during the season. There are approximately seventy student athletes currently enrolled in summer classes.

"The importance of summer classes to student athletes and all students is the focus they can give to a difficult course," said associate director of Athletics for Academic Services Phyllis LaBaw.

"It gives you a chance to get long classes out of the way if you take short term. You can also get professors that may not offer classes in fall and spring," said fifth-year Management major and defensive end Eric Henderson.

Henderson has taken summer classes every year while at Tech and is currently taking 10 hours of summer courses. He is scheduled to graduate this fall.

"Summer classes are very important when you want to graduate, especially if you want to graduate before your eligibility is up," Henderson said.

Summer classes may also be convenient for student athletes who will already be on campus training and working out.

"I'd still have a semester and a half left if I hadn't taken classes. Since you are working out at the same time, you might as well take classes," Henderson said.

"It is a great time to get ahead, but also to stay on track as far as working out," LeBaw said.

Summer classes also provide athletes additional chances to gain hours to retain eligibility.

"It is a true opportunity to maintain eligibility requirements and with the changing standards that becomes very important at a school like Tech," LeBaw said. "Athletes can focus without contending with the time management of practices."

Despite the obvious advantages, some student athletes choose to take the summers off.

"I've not taken any summer classes," said fourth-year management major and swimming team member Sam Morgan.

Athletes may find it difficult to pursue other interests or graduate in four years if they opt out of summer classes.

"I've taken twelve hours a semester. If you are on a five year plan or don't mind not having any free time then summer classes aren't that important," Morgan said.

Even without taking courses Morgan recognizes the advantage that summer classes provide.

"I might take classes when my eligibility is up because I won't finish in four years," Morgan said, "It is a good option if you don't want to be too busy during the school year."

Both Morgan and Henderson recognize the constant balance required between their sports and academics in any semester.

"There is a fine line between swimming and classes," Morgan said.

"It can be stressful at times. Just being a student athlete itself is stressful," Henderson said, "In the fall you are involved in the season, so summer classes can be a stress reliever."