By: Nikita Rana & Bridget Corpus
Despite being surrounded with the “nerd” stereotype, Biotech students are quite successful in their athletic endeavors. Even though we can be busy at times, we still find the time to do what we love. Here is what a few students have to say about being student athletes at Biotech:
Shane Zimmerman: Wrestling at Keyport High School
- Statistics: 22-8 with 11 pins
- “My goal is to be at least a district champion, but like every other wrestler, the main goal is always to make it to AC and be a state qualifier.”
Mark Capell: Baseball at Marlboro High School
- “Work hard and get stronger. Don’t be lazy with school or practices.”
Sophia Yun: Track & Field at Freehold Township High School
Statistics:
- Indoor Nationals 3/7/18 HJ: 5'3
- 84th Eastern State Championships 2/20/18 HJ: 5’4”
- NJSIAA Group Championships 2/17/18 HJ: 5’2
- NJSIAA Sectional Championships - Central Gr. 1&4 2/10/18 HJ: 5’0
- Monmouth County Champs 1/11/18 (1st place) HJ: 5’2”
- Monmouth County Relays 5/3/18 (1st place) HJ: 5’4
- Lion Invitational 4/28/18 HJ: 5’0
- A North Championship 4/17/18 HJ: 5’0
“I really never notice how much I love going to track until the season's over. From the laid-back premeet days to the hottest of workout days, I wouldn't trade it in for anything. During the winter, all of the jumpers had a rough practice. Before we left, our coach asked us: why do you do this sport? You cannot leave today before you give me an answer. It took me a while to think of an answer, but once I said it I knew that it was what I truly felt: ‘I do this sport because it gives me a feeling of accomplishment that you can't get anywhere else. In school, you can always strive for a 100, but you can't really go anywhere from there. But in this sport, the amount of work you put in will make you get even better every day. If you push yourself and put in the effort, you will always see results and at the end of the day, the feeling of accomplishment and pride you have is not replicable.’”
Priya Thamburaj: Horseback Riding
- Statistics: qualifying for regional level at Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) competition
- “I began riding six years ago. I found inspiration from my mother, who had done the sport when she was younger.I love horseback riding because it does not only involve physical activity, but also a great deal of skill. This sport also involves caring for the horses and building friendships with fellow riders.”
Matt Rondinella: Swimming at Colts Neck High School
- Statistics: 2:11.33 for 200-yard freestyle; 5:52 for 500-yard freestyle
- “ My high school experience with the team has been great, and my club swimming at FOBY has definitely helped me as well. I was also introduced to the longer distance events (200 and 500 yards) on the Colts Neck team and have been swimming them ever since. For next year, I hope to make the cut times for shore conference, which are 2:07.51 for the 200 and 5:48.50 for the 500. I also plan to improve my times overall on FOBY, and want to grow as a swimmer by continually practicing. Overall, my experience with swimming has been great and I really enjoy the sport.”
But of course, balancing school and sports can be difficult at times. Here’s what a few Biotech students have to say:
“Manage your time! Sometimes practice would go late or I would get home from games late and I wasn’t expecting that to happen. Always good to do things in advance.” - Sophomore Jackie Finley, Manasquan Soccer
“Get work done before your sports. Don't let sports keep you from doing your best in school.” - Junior Maddie Sass, Wall FC Soccer
“Study during your sport events.” - Junior Matt Su, Marlboro Baseball
“Be prepared to commit a lot of your time!” - Sophomore Oliver Gu, Colts Neck Tennis
“Don’t give up because of a minor setback. It’s just something you have to work through.” -Sophomore Ryley Kirk, Manasquan Lacrosse
The general takeaway from these statements is to stay focused, manage your time, and to have fun!