2 Sports, 2 Risky?
Playing multiple sports in highschool can be extremely risky
Whether or not they play them, watch them, or hate them, everyone knows what sports are. They are popular, active games that people play either for fun or for function.
The fun part is the competition, the dopamine shot you get when you win. But the functional part is the fact that some professional athletes make more money than 99.99% of the world’s population. Millions of dollars are spent to keep the best of the best players around and winning games and championships for organizations.
But there’s a final aspect of sports that normally goes unnoticed by the common man. FEAR. That’s right, fear plays a huge role in the sports world. Fear of what, you may ask? The fear of failure? The fear of losing? Yes, but there’s another factor that causes fear. Injury.
Many times throughout recent history, there have been athletes whose games, seasons, careers, and lives were ruined because of an injury. Grant Hill, Maurice Stokes, and Prichard Colon to name a few.
The worst part about an injury is that you never know when it’s coming. It could be during a game, during practice, stretch, or even while just doing an everyday task.
Injuries in high school sports are just as common as pro injuries. Although the risk may not be as high, many players every year go down to sprains, broken bones, and concussions. These injuries, though not long term, can affect the everyday life and development of these student athletes.
From walking around on crutches, going to the training room every day, even missing days of school. These injuries can have a significant impact on and off the field.
One of the biggest questions for young athletes to face in high school is not whether or not to play sports, but how many to play.
Growing up, it’s extremely common for kids to play multiple sports. High School sports are no different, with a seasonal rotation giving students the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities. But with that, they run the risk of injuring themselves for their other, maybe more important sports.
Senior Sam Huff was a varsity baseball and football player. But when Huff excelled so much on the baseball field as to obtain a division 1 offer, he had to decide on whether or not the risk of injury was worth playing the sport he loved.
When asked about this potentially life changing decision, his answer would surprise you.
“Originally, I wasn’t planning on going out,” Huff said. “But after some talks with my coaches and parents, I decided that I would give it another year.”
Huff’s bravery and determination helped the team to their best season yet, making it all the way to the state semifinal. But, in the teams season finally, Huff would injure his left throwing arm.
Upon further examination, it was determined that Huff had torn his UCL, which means he would have to go through surgery that would keep him from playing his junior baseball season.
Huff’s love for football and dedication to the team was valiant, but was it worth it? Would he have been better off not playing football that year?
What happened to Huff was rare. Not many athletes get such a severe injury that would keep them out of a season that wouldn’t begin for another 4-5 months. But it begs the question if playing multiple sports is worth it?
“I have zero regrets,” said Huff.
Even if Huff doesn’t regret his decision, it begs the question if he would have been better off sitting out his junior football season.
With the baseball season nearing, Huff will have a full season to show his skill. But he may be without one of his closest teammates because of a similar decision.
Junior Jase Reynolds has been a three year starter on the football field and a two year varsity baseball player. His talent in both sports is undeniable, but he has decided to take the football route in college.
Similar to Huff, Reynolds has to make a big decision that could impact his future. Not only would not playing baseball mean that he wouldn’t risk injury, but he would be able to focus on his football career for that time as well. However, he would have to quit a sport that he has played for his entire life.
“It’s a super tough decision,” Reynolds said. “I love both sports so much, and leaving baseball behind would really hurt, but it may be for the best.”
These athletes, and many others, have to decide whether to play it safe or risk it all for what they love. There is no right and wrong decision; everyone’s situation is different.
High School athletics are fun, competitive, and rewarding. They are your last opportunity to play multiple sports. But is it worth the risk? That’s for the athletes to decide.
