The Sage Informer

For most MHS students, fall is a very busy time of year. From football games, to Homecoming Week, to many extracurricular activities, here’s how some of the busiest manage it.

For junior cross country athlete, Taylor Mabry, it’s all about “finding a balance between locking in and hard work and relaxing and having fun.” She estimated that she spends nearly 25 hours per week dedicated to cross country. 

Mabry finds herself balancing many different activities, including being a key runner on the cross country team, being an active leader in Youth Alive Club and Student Council, taking multiple AP classes, and more. “Participating in a variety of activities can be really stressful but also so rewarding,” Mabry stated.

Senior Olivia Gerdes’ favorite fall activity is attending the football games. When asked about how she manages to make it to these events while participating in cross country and marching band, she stated, “It can be extremely difficult at times.” However, she still tries to manage the conflicts to enjoy the atmosphere of the games.

Football games are on Friday nights, which poses a problem for cross country athletes, whose meets are often early on Saturday mornings. Many times, their bus leaves before 7 am, while football games often end late into the evening the night before.

This conflict is something many student-athletes deal with, and Mabry believes that “sometimes it’s better to focus on your own future than getting caught up in the many hassles.”

Gerdes and Mabry both agreed that being active in many different ways helps them to find community and build relationships. “It’s not easy to be active and busy, but it is so, so worth it,” concluded Mabry.

Macie Owen, Staff Writer

owema28@sages.us