In a small high school of 1
80 students, many students-athletes play sports year-round. However, others have chosen to play only one sport competitively and to focus on other things such as theater, clubs, or academics.
Many single sport athletes try to improve their abilities during the off-season in order to prepare for the next season. Nate Nussbaum (‘15) only enjoys playing soccer on a team, so in the spring he plays on a soccer team called Elkhart County United as a way to prepare and condition for upcoming seasons.
Open gyms are also very useful for students to stay fit and continue practicing. Many soccer and volleyball players participate in these open gyms. Sophie Miller’s (‘17) only sport is volleyball. Open gyms help her to improve and maintain her skills during the off-season.
Other clubs and groups are very important to these athletes as well. Some athletes only play one sport because of other commitments that they choose to be a part of. Kyle Snyder (‘16) and Gabriella Klopfenstein (‘18) are both involved in theater during the off-season. With one play and one musical every year, these athletes do not have time to be involved in other sports.
Some students say it is difficult to manage time between sports and studies and for that reason they only play one sport. Jordan Haarer (‘15) wants to focus on academics and his part time job when baseball season is not going so that things are less chaotic for him.
Even though some students choose only one sport to be involved with, Bethany offers great opportunities in a broad range of programs. Kyle Snyder (‘16) said, “Bethany has presented me with many opportunities to grow as a person, through education and extracurricular activities.”
~ Hans