The demands of being a student-athlete can create challenging time restrictions. Cross country runner Grace Burnett experiences these constraints at an amplified level.

As a sixth-year student working towards a master’s degree in finance, Burnett must stay at the top of her game in more ways than one. Managing time, remaining disciplined and exercising perseverance are all areas in which Burnett must excel to stay competitive at the highest level. 

“Balancing academics and athletics is definitely difficult. Often times you go straight from class to practice and back to class,” Burnett said. “Being proactive about what needs to get done and how you are going to fit it in also includes finding time to eat between class and practice so you can perform your best.”

Between class and maintaining a proper diet, things like rest and relaxation are equally important.

“It also includes making sure you still get enough sleep each night. For me, it’s all about finding time in my schedule and optimizing all that time,” she said. “Whether it is small pockets throughout each day or spending the whole weekend getting things done, I always schedule in my priorities.”

Division I athletes compete to the highest degree in college athletics. As a result, the level of dedication required to succeed in DI athletics is extraordinarily high. Oftentimes, these athletes are asked to perform to the best of their abilities in two full-time commitments.

Because of this, the average day for a DI athlete can be intense. 

“The average day for a cross country runner usually starts in the training room before practice where we roll out, stretch, do rehab exercises and get treatment from our athletic trainer,” Burnett said. “Then we meet as a team and on Tuesday or Thursday we get ready to go somewhere for a hard workout. On other days we meet and some people go on an easier run while others go to the pool to cross-train. Each day after practice most of us go back to the training room for recovery like rolling out or cold/hot tubbing. Finally, we get snacks and food at the fueling station and go home or to class.” 

Events usually take place on weekdays and last a handful of hours. Travel days can be included for races that aren’t in surrounding areas, so missing class is something that these runners occasionally have to deal with. This makes planning and scheduling that much more important for Utah’s athletes. 

Burnett addressed this drawback.

“In my experience, professors have been very accommodating,” she said. “I find that professors are excited for us and want to help, it’s just up to us to make sure we communicate what classes we will miss. Being proactive about assignments and communicating if I miss an exam is appreciated. I find that if I communicate with my professors they are always very willing to help.”

These premier athletes are in good hands at the University of Utah. Accommodating professors, state-of-the-art facilities and competitive teams all play into the happiness and success of athletes. 

j.leone@dailyutahchronicle.com

@johnleone