The trend for specializing in one sport is growing across the country at the high school level.  Yet, many coaches at both the high school and collegiate level value and stress the importance of playing multiple sports.  Perry High School recently saw a number of student athlete’s graduate who were multiple sport participants.  Recently baseball players like Zach Roberts, Will Whiton and Nic Wilhelmi competed in numerous sports throughout the year.  Head Baseball Coach Mike Long feels the multiple sport athlete has the advantage when it comes to crunch time.

“I am a big advocate of having kids participate in numerous sports.  First off, I think it’s healthy to get away from a game or sport after playing it for a long period of time during the season.  A break is always important to recharge and refocus, plus it keeps the game fresh.  Secondly, you use different muscles and I feel you have a less chance of getting injured especially with basketball and the lower body injury risks increase by playing it 12 months a year.  You can be very successful in one sport and still play other sports.  I think anytime you compete it prepares you for the stress or heat of the moment situations that are often times pressure filled.”

Perry is looking forward to another school year and the athletic calendar getting started with volleyball, football, cross country and swimming practices getting started in the next couple of weeks.