A lot of the students at Bluffton University are student athletes with a commitment to not only their academics but also their respective sports. Several student athletes reflected on their first year and how they adapted to the collegiate level of academics and athletics.
Football
Running-back Darian Greeley received First-team All-HCAC during the 2017 season and is a criminal justice major. Greeley said overall, he had a good school year. As for on the football field, there was not much of a change.
“I mean, football is football,” said Greeley. “The game was a little faster than usual, so it just took practice and getting used to the game.”
Greeley would like to advise future Beavers to condition in the offseason and to manage your studies and sports because it can get tough.
Freshman Katie McClure. Photo provided.
Volleyball
Katie McClure is a pre-physical therapy major. McClure said it’s hard to believe her first year is almost over, and that it flew by but was a great year. She said that at the college level, volleyball is a lot more time consuming.
“My main focus coming here is obviously my education, so balancing the two became difficult at times,” said McClure. “Playing the game at the college level is also a lot faster and the volleys sometimes last longer. With having previously injuring my knees, the speed and longevity of a volley was difficult on me.”
McClure said that college is a time to be selfish, always think about yourself and what is best for you. She said to worry about your future and no one else’s. McClure said that none of the athletes are getting paid to be an athlete but to make the most of it and the main focus should be on our academics. Even though McClure is not joining the Beaver volleyball team again for next season, she still knows how to manage being both a student and an athlete at Bluffton.
Men’s soccer
Eric Bender, a centerback for the men’s soccer team, is an exercise science and strength and conditioning double major. Bender said his school year has been great. His classes are interesting and have gone very well for him. He has met some awesome people, who he befriended on both his team and other teams, as well. He said that soccer was rough especially with tearing his labrum in his shoulder, but he gets to continue his dream by playing college soccer.
“The college level was so much harder than any other level I have played,” said Bender. “They have much bigger expectations of you on and off the field. On the field, they expect the things you can control at the highest level. I would say I have adapted to everything by just getting some experience.”
Bender said that these four years are going to fly by, so enjoy every moment. He said to take school very seriously because it will help you be successful in the future.
Women’s soccer
Abigail Newkirk is a speech-language pathology major and a special education minor. She said she had an amazing year; she met her best friends, played the sport she loves and continued to get a wonderful education all at the same time.
College sports were definitely harder for her. Newkirk said that she had to work extremely hard to reach her goal of playing college soccer. She had the thought once she got here that she wasn’t good enough to be here and play, but that was not the case.
“With the heart and passion for the game I had, work ethic, and my amazing teammates and coaches, I was able to keep playing at the college level,” said Newkirk, “It wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth it. Some of my best college memories thus far are from soccer.”
Newkirk said that she would tell future athletes to never give up. She quoted Walt Disney: “All our dreams can come true if we just have the courage to pursue them.”
Women’s basketball
Kylie Brock is a nursing major. Her first year went really well. She said it was a lot harder than she expected at first, but it was well worth it. As for basketball, it was a lot harder than any other level she has played at so far. She said that you practice a lot more and the atmosphere is a bit different, but it’s a lot of fun and it’s not hard to adapt. You get in the flow of things and everything seems more natural by the end of the season
“Take the leap,” said Brock. “Sometimes, athletes are too afraid to follow their dreams because of the potential for not having enough playing time or the clash with their major.”
Brock suggests trying out a sport, even if it is only for one year. She said the experience may change your perspective and help develop friendships that can last a lifetime.
Men’s basketball
Dezman Brown is a business administration major. Brown was very short and sweet when he wrapped up his year, in classes and for basketball.
“It was a good solid school year,” said Brown. “Basketball was more fast-paced tempo and had harder workouts. I adapted by doing work on my own.”
Brown said that future athletes should stay on top of things and to take in as much knowledge as they can.
Softball
Riley Langstaff is double majoring in early childhood education and special intervention. She said that this school year flew by and went really well. She made so many memories with new friends that she will remember for her whole life.
As for softball, the pace of the game got faster. The girls were faster, stronger and could hit the ball harder. With that being said, she adapted by taking live reps in practice and focusing on one aspect of her game at a time.
“Future athletes–learn how to manage your time,” said Langstaff. “Between practice, lifting, class and whatever else is on your schedule, find time for homework.”
She encourages future athletes to make friends with their teammates right off the bat, because you will be spending a lot of time with them so you can create so many great memories.She also said to not take it for granted because your first season will fly by.
Baseball
Jacob Latkofsky is a pre-physical therapy major. He said that his first year was good and it challenged him. He made the Dean’s list in the fall and is hoping to do the same this semester. Latkofsky said that the biggest difference in college baseball is the consistency.
“Every team we play has a guy on the mound throwing mid to low 80’s with good off speed stuff,” said Latkofsky. “Every game has been an adjustment for me throughout the season. I haven’t been able to get comfortable in the box; I’m constantly kept off balance by pitches.”
Latkofsky said that one of the toughest parts of being an athlete as well as a student is being able to balance academics with sports. He said to make sure you develop quality time management skills before you get in season.
These athletes have worked hard in and out of season to be model students and athletes on and off their field or court. The pace of their respective sports has gotten faster and have all faced different challenges during the start of their college athletic careers. They have found ways to improve and adapt their games to become better players and help their programs.
