Athletes follow routine during PSUC college life

Mathieu Cadieux knows it takes more than talent to be an athlete.

The Cardinals hockey goalie said being an athlete requires hard work and dedication on top of having the natural skills for a sport. When Cadieux is not protecting the goal for the Cardinals, he is preparing for next season.

 “We (the team) take a couple of weeks off right after the season is done, but, after that, we just get right back into it,” he said.

Time can be precious for college athletes because they have to find a balance between their studies, athletics and social life.

Cardinals third baseman Damian Tyler said being an athlete is like going to school because it is a big commitment.

“You have to look at the sport as your job,” Tyler said. “Even in the offseason, you have to train and work hard.”

On game day, Tyler said he goes swimming to get relaxed for the game. He said he likes swimming before games because it is part of his routine since he has a swimming class three times a week. Just before game time, Tyler listens to his favorite band, Rage Against the Machine, to get pumped off for the game.

“I try to get myself mentally prepared,” he said.

Before Cadieux hits the ice, he has already studied, read a scouting report and had a pre-game meal while getting a good warm-up as he visualizes the game. Despite the hard work and dedication required for hockey, Cadieux said it is worth it because he’s able to enjoy playing the sport he loves.

The Lady Cardinal softball pitcher Ashley Marshall loves being an athlete because it allows her to be part of a team, remain active and be competitive. On the other hand, she said it can be hard to balance softball and her classes.

College athletes sometimes have to miss classes due to the schedule of their games or because the location of games.

 Because the baseball team usually plays on weekdays, the team’s schedule conflicted with one of Tyler’s core classes. Tyler, a senior, had to continue to take the class because he needed it to graduate. He ended up missing a lot of classes.

“It’s probably one of the biggest things that bring a lot of stress,” Tyler said.

To make up for missed classes, Cards basketball guard Shamoy Mcintosh said he emails his teachers beforehand. He catches up by going to tutoring and getting class notes from classmates.

The party scene presents itself to athletes often, but they want no part of it.

Mcintosh said he would not go to a party before a game day because he wants to be focused for the game.

Tyler agreed.

“Baseball is really important to me,” Tyler said. “It’s a lot more important to me than going out to party.”

For Marshall, partying can be left for the offseason because she said it’s not a big part of her life.

“The spring season is all about playing (softball),” Marshall said.

Some athletes may not have the choice of whether or not they can attend a party before a game day.

For example, Cadieux said players don’t attend parties during weekdays. Because the hockey team usually plays on Fridays and Saturdays, Cadieux said players are not allowed to attend parties before games.

“There would be no chance that we would be going out the night before a game,” he said.