Entering the World of DSU Athleticism – Football

Being a college athlete is one of the most exciting moments in my entire life. To be asked to extend your sports career and further your education is a rare opportunity very few people get to experience. Once I moved up to this higher level I soon learned that there is some much to learn and that you are not the big bad player you once were in high school. I may be just a freshman but I already love what I have experienced.

When I came up to Madison from a small town in Arizona for the summer I did not know what to expect. I was shy, nervous, and had no idea what I was doing. Expecting that my first experience with the team would be full of belittling and being hatted like it was in high school. However, it was the opposite of what I thought it would be! The team was engaging, kind, and encouraging. I felt immediately at home – it felt as if I knew these guys forever. There was more of a family feeling around the team than it was in high school.

Another big difference I saw very quick was the surrounding talent around. In high school, you usually have a few key players while the rest are role players. In college, everyone is just as capable as you and is just as talented. Along with talent comes so very easy triggered tempers. I think our coach touched on it very well, that in high school you were and Alpha male surrounded by Betas and now that you are in college you are an Alpha surrounded by a bunch of other Alphas so naturally we will get to competitive at times. Even though we fight sometimes in practice no one seems to hold a grudge and that is a huge difference from high school.

College football has been amazing for me and I think I can speak for the rest of the Freshman that they have had a great experience as well. The upperclassmen have done a fantastic job on making a friendly environment that is also competitive. I can’t wait to play the rest of my days here at Dakota State University!