Sandpoint High School has an active culture with a large majority of students involved in sports. Many students participate in multiple sports throughout the year and even play sports through all three seasons. These three season athletes experience many complications with school and personal life, but also benefit from the rewards received through the dedication needed to be involved.

One student who undertakes three sports in combination with academics and additional programs is Hyrum Hunsaker. He trains for cross country in the summer and fall months, wrestles in the winter, and competes in track during the spring.

“It helps me socialize, but makes schooling a little bit harder,” Hunsaker said. “It’s great, but it also has it’s drawbacks, and someone should consider their responsibilities beforehand. I feel like it is worth it, though, because you can earn scholarships as a three sport athlete.”

He continues to encourage students to play the sports that interest them and that they are passionate about, not just to be apart of three sports.

Taylor Ward plays soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and competes in track in the spring.

“I really like it because it keeps me busy and I stay in shape. A lot of people ask about having a personal life, but for me, my teammates are my friends, and that is my personal life. I still have time to get stuff done, and I get to make and spend time with friends,” Ward said.

Kyle Almeida was also involved in three sports last year, however he takes part more behind the scenes than the traditional athlete. He competes in cross country in the fall and track in the spring, but has also managed for basketball in the winter season.

“I took video at the [basketball] games with my own camera to record the games so players could review what they did well, what they did wrong, and so they could review the plays and what worked,” Almeida said. “It was pretty difficult. I can honestly say I probably won’t be doing it again because it was a lot of stress and I had other commitments.”

A large portion of the student body participate in sports during the school year and undertaking the workload and responsibilities is worth it for these student athletes.

“Sports […] are essential, and I can’t imagine how life would look or would have looked if I hadn’t decided to play soccer and basketball, and later to compete in track,” Ward said. “Competition is important to me.”