From Then to Now

Senior+Justin+Johnson+high-fives+a+teammate.+

Senior Justin Johnson high-fives a teammate.

Camdyn Barclay, Reporter

When someone says life changes unexpectedly and faster than you can imagine, most people shrug their shoulders and don’t think about it too much. From humble beginnings in middle school to the next chapter in high school, the challenges that come during this time gives you the chance to mature and become the person you want to be. Upon reflection, many U-High athletes have learned to adapt and succeed through their middle school and high school careers.

Senior Justin Johnson said that one change he has noticed during his transition from junior high to high school is being assigned more homework. 

“Time management is more difficult because in junior high there was less school work. Now I have days I do assignments before and after practice” Johnson said. 

In order to balance the workload from academics and sports, Johnson stays organized by keeping a schedule.

“I have a calendar on my phone that I follow and it helps me do work and get places on time.” Routines are helpful tools that keep people in line everyday. Sophomore Mya Barclay said that once she got to high school her routine changed significantly, especially when it came to basketball.

“In junior high it wasn’t as serious. I could get away with barely getting ready for a game and now it takes at least an hour and a half to get dressed and warm up,”  M. Barclay said. This is because they have freshman jv and varsity teams that all have to get ready. “We also have to dress up for school on game days.”

Changing up daily routines can make you forget about other important things like setting examples for the younger generation, but as a U-High student Mya makes sure to set a good example.

“Now since I’m older, I have to set an example for the younger kids by having decent grades and playing well,” M. Barclay said. 

Senior Connor Herbert said parental involvement is one of the biggest changes as he has shifted into more responsibility in high school.

 “In junior high, I liked that my parents helped me out a lot,” Herbert said. “They would get me places on time and make sure I was prepared for wherever I was going. But now I like that I take care of myself.”

Coaches also have more expectations of the high school athlete. 

“The coaches are harder on us and they also expect more from everyone, which is a great thing because it pushes us to live up to those expectations on and off the field,” Herbert said. 

High school sports require a tougher sense of physical and mental self because the work on the court or on the field is only one small part of the work these athletes are putting in.

“So many people are going out of their way and working out before or after practice,” junior Jace Clark said. “To be fantastic you have to work harder than other people and want it more than they do.”

Senior Connor Herbert prepares to throw a pitch.