Every hiatus from school seems like an illusion for Nanuet High School athletes. Each team is most likely required to show up during the break to practice despite being on a “break.” Although it might seem like a clear opinion, many students are split over this topic.
The importance of perfecting through practice is valued by some and blurs out the lack of opportunities for sleeping in. When asked if high school athletes should practice during breaks, senior Olivia Pappalardi from the girl’s basketball team expressed that it’s fair and expected.
“Yeah, because we are high school athletes,” she said. “JV shouldn’t [practice], [but] varsity should. Because then we become rusty.”
She makes an important point. When long breaks are taken, athletes tend to become sore and even forgetful upon return. This can also be potentially dangerous for the body, added senior Adam Speidel, who is on the Boy’s Varsity Soccer team.
“If you’re serious, then yes,” he said. “Team sports should require practice over the break, but individual sports such as track, you can run on your own.”
If the athlete can do their sport anywhere, then maybe a break from being on school facilities would not be so bad, as long as the athlete practices on their own, echoed senior cheerleader Kyra Ermilus.
“For example,” she said, “there are certain things you can work on and improve on and it’s necessary if you are committed to a sport. There should be no days off until absolutely necessary.”
The consensus here is there is responsibility that comes with higher level sports and that is what the athletes have signed up for. Training makes the athlete stronger and a break does not have to mean a pause in progress.
Conversely, it is also widely regarded that resting and resetting is valued by many others. From the perspective of the Varsity Tennis coach, Mr. Cohen emphasized the importance of taking a break
“It is supposed to be a time for families to enjoy and travel and enjoy holidays,” he said.
Even a coach needs time to reconvene and connect with family members. Team bonding does not exist only on the court.
Even Nanuet athletes who are not involved with Varsity sports weighed in, such as senior Emma Walters, who is a dancer outside of school.
“First of all, it’s a break,” she said. “You shouldn’t be practicing during break because then family vacations have to revolve around practice. It’s a time for families away from school. You shouldn’t have to worry about the schedule of practice.”
It is true that some athletes miss out on family bonding in order to be present at practices instead. In the end, every athlete must find the sport and approach that works the best for them but, ultimately, sacrifices will always have to be made.
Many athletes also believe that there is a happy middle ground in a training schedule, a goldilocks combination of both enjoying yourself and also making progress, according to senior Bella Fermin.
“I think you can have partial practice,” she said. “It shouldn’t be everyday, but if you get close to the end of the break and practice starts up again then that’s fine.”
Some suggest that the break should be split, as in the first half could be time with family and the second half getting ready to go back to school.
“Realistically, Varsity athletes should have partial practices here and there, but not during the entire break because the point of a long break is to relax from everything, including school and sports,” said senior Jaiden Thomas, an athlete on the Track Team.
A medium can be found if all parties, including athletes, coaches, and families, are willing to sacrifice, added senior track athlete Alexis McKoy.
“Athletes should have practice,” she said. “But it should not be as mandatory or forced as it is right now. Individual sports like Track should have some practice days, but also provide potential workouts that one can do at home or optional team practices, but often practice has low attendance and is not very effective over break.”
These plans give athletes an avenue to practice during the break but also take a break.
Overall, the holidays are a joyful time, regardless of any athletic practice schedules. It is important to rest everyday and be mindful about healthy bed times and nutrition and not try to force all the rest on a break. Practices should be enjoyable and athletes should be able to enjoy their families, as well.
One thing everyone can agree on is that high school will come to a close quickly, so everyone must make the best of each moment, whether on break or not.