Imagine being so committed to a course that studying for the course took up most of your time.
Now imagine that the course is so demanding that you can not enjoy Thanksgiving turkey or opening presents on Christmas morning because you must go to class that day.
Then imagine every single assignment and grade that you make is scrutinized and publicized for everyone to ridicule and criticize. As unpleasant as this chain of events may seem, there is a segment of our student culture that has these experiences daily; our University of Memphis athletes.
"What people don't realize is how much time these guys put into what they do." said Dyran Freedman, graduate head manager for the men's basketball program. "We make these guys go to class and be on time for everything," Freedman said. Indeed, every moment of the team's day from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., belongs to The University.
The teams daily schedule is as follows:
- 7 a.m. wake up
- 7:30 a.m. breakfast
- 8 to 1 p.m. class
- 1 to 2 p.m. lunch
- 2 to 3 p.m. treatment for injuries
- 3 to 6 p.m. practice
- 6:30 p.m. dinner
- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. study hall
The team's intense schedule not only limits time to have a social life, but time to hold a job.
"This is your job," Shyrone Chatman said, senior Communications major and member of the men's basketball team.
Not only does Chatman practice with his team, he also practices on his own to keep himself on top of his game, not allowing time to work if he could.
Since the team plays every Christmas, Chatman has missed Christmas with his family for two of his four years at Memphis.
His family arranged Christmas around his schedule in 2000, and celebrated the holiday on Christmas eve in order to be with him.
Senior exercise science major Zaneta Ivy used the bartering system in order to afford her personal trainer.
"I tried to work, but I didn't have the time. I volunteered 300 hours this summer in order to have a personal trainer," Ivy said. She also echoed the issues of lack of a social life and lack of finances as daily reminders of the sacrifices she makes as an athlete.
"You have to have financial aid to make it," said Scooter McFadgon, freshman and basketball team member.
McFadgon also follows the teams regimented schedule and even commits two hours a day for practice during the off season. McFadgon also spoke of the fact that while most students are on vacation, the sports teams practice daily, often twice a day.
Student athletes represent the entire body of students found at The University of Memphis every time they take the court or the field.
They cannot be successful without the support of those they represent, along with empathy for the sacrifices they make to represent our university.
Shyrone Chatman said it best: "People look at us and think that we are... we got it made. In actuality, they only see the t.v. and the cameras, but no one sees the hard work we've put into it all our lives to get to where we are."
