STEELE SPORTS

As an athlete, my favorite times of any season were during holidays and breaks from school.
Whether it be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s or even spring break, there is nothing that compares to competing without worrying about school.
With practice, class and homework on top of an already demanding practice and game schedule, it’s the little things like being able to sleep in or having a couple of extra hours of free time that make the difference to athletes during times like this in the school year.
Personally, I was always a fan of games during holiday breaks because I loved being able to focus solely on preparing to compete without the added stresses of potential tests or assignments cloudy my thoughts during the day.
My friends and I used to grab meals before games and bring our speakers to the football field hours ahead of game time to hang out and relax before it was time to suit up and get the job done.
Another built-in bonus of games during holiday seasons is that families usually get together for major holidays, making for bigger crowds and a better playing atmosphere.
I can recall my grandparents and cousins and other relatives all flying into town ahead of major holidays and having all of them present for my football games.
Those games were always special to me because it’s not every day that you get to show them the results of your hard work and dedication on the field.
On top of all of these perks, one final bonus of having games during breaks is that it allows for better post-game celebrations.
As a football player, games always had this advantage as games are typically played on Fridays; however, when I competed in track and field, I longed for the days where I could have a meet without school the next day so I could go out with friends until late afterward and then sleep in the next morning.
The real treasure behind having games during holiday breaks is the freedom it allows not only athletes, but fans and families alike.
As student-athletes, school should always be the first focus as it will open the most doors down the line.
However, the opportunity to focus on just being an athlete every now and then truly is a special feeling.