Shortly after the busy winter sports season kicks off, Camas High School (CHS) students are released to enjoy a two week winter break. While these athletes may be getting a break from their academic schedule, their athletic schedule is still up and running.
The CHS winter sports include boys and girls basketball, basketball cheer, gymnastics, boys swim, girls and boys wrestling, bowling and dance. Athletes and coaches discuss the commitments required of them during the winter break and strategies to balance these two busy aspects of the winter season.
Starting off with boys basketball, these athletes have to attend practices every day of the week that they do not have a game. They make sure to stay consistent in working out and staying in the focused mentality despite the busy holiday season.
“You have to put basketball first. You can’t go on vacations. You can’t do other stuff and skip practice. You have to be available every day for practice,” CHS senior and varsity basketball player Ethan Sobolik said.
Despite their winter break being busy with the basketball season, the boys basketball athletes are able to stay motivated.
“Most athletes love playing their sport and don’t necessarily need motivation,” Scott Thompson, CHS boys basketball coach, said. “Over the years my players have wanted me to open the gym for them on off days over winter break.”
Girls basketball is also going to be putting in the work over the winter break. They attend many practices and even participate in the Holiday Classic basketball tournament, presented by Nike and BSN Sports.
“It is a pretty prestigious tournament,” Brian Witherspoon, CHS girls basketball coach, said.
The girls basketball athletes make sure to put in the work to perform well at this tournament.
“I attend practices. We’ll have days where we practice and dedicate it to going over film so we’re more prepared for our games,” De’Chaiya Gentle, CHS junior and basketball player, said.
“It is pretty consistent. We’ll have a few days off for Christmas and that’s it,” Witherspoon said.
Although CHS basketball cheerleaders cheer at all the basketball games over break, their practice schedule looks a little different. The CHS cheer team actually utilizes the break not only to rest from school, but also get a well deserved rest from cheer.
“So many of my girls have been cheering since May. So, it kind of gives them a necessary break that they need to be kids, have a life, create some balance and have some family time,” Brandy Reed, CHS cheer coach, said.
However, many cheerleaders still make time to continue their own consistent workouts over the break.
“I still like to go to the gym especially during breaks because I have lots of time. So I guess that will keep me in shape for the time being,” Ciara Bee, CHS senior and cheerleader, said.
The CHS girls gymnastics team is able to successfully balance the team schedule with the athletes winter break.
“Over winter break the regular practice hours switch up and we train to our best ability to be successful for future meets,” Kailey Radston, CHS senior and gymnast, said.
The gymnasts do their best to stay fit, stretch, and keep their body moving so that they are ready for any meets in the future.
Wrestling has a very busy winter break schedule. With a busy practice schedule, big tournaments and having to manage weight, CHS wrestlers have to stay focused throughout the entirety of the break.
“We have a lot of our most important tournaments during the winter break. Our three biggest tournaments over the season are over winter break,” Jasmine Cha, CHS senior and wrestler, said.
“I stick to my routine workouts, clean eating and good sleep. I set small goals and stay connected with my team so I come back from break still ready to compete,” Avery Vega-Padilla, CHS senior and wrestler said.
Lastly, boys swim manages to keep a busy schedule during the break. They have practice throughout the entire break and even a meet in Walla Walla.
“The meet in the middle of the break definitely helps keep us on track but overall we do more technique and focused work over break which helps us to lock in on our form and keep gaining speed even though we have less races to perform at,” Rafael Lavagnino, CHS senior and swimmer, said.
Overall, the CHS sports teams are able to successfully balance the busy holiday season and a restful break with the focus and commitment needed to perform well in their sport.
