While most students returned to campus for the first time in a month and a half, today was another routine day for the student-athletes who stayed to train during winter break.
In the SF State Gymnasium, several people received treatment, basketball teams practiced and others did work on their laptops.
“Us athletes have been coming here over the break and it gets kind of lonely, so it is good to see everybody walking around and happy to be here,” said senior track and field athlete Assata Polk. “The sun is also out so that is cool.”
Some sports teams were in session during the long winter break, so the transition has not had a big impact on them.
“I really have not been on break because I am in season currently for indoor track and field,” said senior track and field athlete Dezirae Smith. “It is my last season as an undergrad and as a student here on campus. I am graduating this semester, so I am looking forward to the end of this semester.”
Student-athletes are prepared to get back in the classroom while keeping up with their athletic careers.
“It was a nice break but I’m ready to get back into the motions of school and get back to the schedule,” said sophomore wrestler Kweli Hernandez. “When we get off of break it’s wrestling and then school, but during the break it’s only wrestling and just chilling out for the rest of the day.”
The balance between being an athlete and student can be difficult to manage for many people, but with the help of the professors, the transition becomes much easier.
“It is a little tough especially in season when you have traveling and classes and everything, but the professors here accommodate to our schedules so that is really nice,” Polk said.
The atmosphere was very bright in the gymnasium with several smiling faces in the vicinity.
“I got used to it, I feel like in the beginning it was tough trying to manage a school life, social life and athletic life but now it is pretty easy,” said Smith.
