Sophomore star athlete Michael Murphy strives for greatness. Participating in football, basketball, and track, this year-round athlete has a full plate.
Murphy wakes up around 6:30 and starts his morning with breakfast and a shower. Murphy then arrives at school around 7:15, going through the normal school day.
“Getting through school is my least favorite part of the day,” Murphy said. “I just want to work on my sports but I know without good grades I can’t continue to do what I love.”
Once 6th hour arrives, he goes through his first lift of the day in Advanced Educational Leadership. This class is full of athletes that train daily in the weight room and on their sports. When the bell rings at 2:35, Murphy travels to his team practice.
This was during his freshman season on
the JV basketball team. Photo courtesy of Tom Reynolds.
“My favorite part of the day is definitely my team practice. Being with all my closest friends and working hard. Nothing beats it especially during the football season,” Murphy said. “It’s a brotherhood and I make the most out of each practice.”
For most athletes, the sports aspect of their day ends after practice. But for Murphy, he continues working.
“After practice I go home, eat and rest then go to lift #2 or do some sort of skill development every day,” Murphy said.
Once Murphy finishes his 2nd lift of the day, he has little time to do much else.
“I come home, ice and rest, then knock out homework if I have it. I try to be in bed by 11:00. Sometimes that isn’t always the case,” Murphy said. “I know I have to be ready for the next day.”
A busy schedule like this can be draining, but Murphy doesn’t seem to care all that much.
“Sometimes it can be harder later in the week. I get tired but I know the weekend is coming up so I can bounce back with rest,” Murphy said. “Just thinking about my goals can help me out, and push me to keep going when I’m tired.”
Even with a busy schedule, Murphy continues the grind. But there is plenty more work to be done for the sophomore athlete as he looks towards the future.
“Other than sports I don’t do much but hang out with my friends. Usually my free time isn’t too long, I’m very busy, ” Murphy said.
