As Dan Oyer made his way past the defenders, down to the goalie box, and scored he realized that this was his life. Dan Oyer has been playing soccer 11 years for either a school team or a premier team. Most student athletes say they spend the summer either practicing or playing the sports they play during the school year.

“I play for the C.A. (Capital Area) soccer team in the spring when I’m not playing for Eaton Rapids,” said senior Dan Oyer.

Besides playing sports for their high school, a lot of high school athletes play for completely different teams from other towns.

“Basically the whole year I am at least lifting weights or playing basketball, be it with the school team or the Mustangs, which is a basketball team from Lansing,” said sophomore Alex Gauna, Center for the Greyhounds.

Also, students at ERHS say that even though they may not actually play the sport all year, but they are preparing for the season all year.

“Even though it’s not football season me and Jared grant lift during the week in the morning before school,” said senior Travis Olney.



High school athletes have what is called the off season, but coaches say it shouldn’t be called the off season if they are still working for the sport.

“ I believe for high school athletes, the summer is the off season, but during the school year they never get a break,” said Personal Conditioning teacher, Mr. Ribby.



Playing sports all year round could get old to some students, it’s like a test to see who’s dedicated and who isn’t.

“I love playing basketball, so there is really no question if it gets old, I just love playing the game,” said Gauna.

Be it playing sports all year or just playing a sport for part of the year, as long as the teenagers like what they are doing, that’s all that matters. For those who even play a sport, keep up the good work, and just have fun with it. Theses years are the best years of your lives.