Fifteen-year-old Connor Simons starts his day at 7 a.m. The freshman
at Hickory High School is in his first class at 8:45 later that morning.
But aside from the normal high school schedule of classes and homework,
Connor has packed both wrestling and regular workouts into his busy
routine.
It’s the kind of daily calendar that can make some
teenagers cringe but Connor manages to pull through the week with
ease.
“I disagree when some parents say young people don’t
have any stress,” Connor said.
He said homework can pile and the pressure is on to succeed.
And yet Connor, who hasn’t scored below a C on his report
card, made the cut this year for Hickory High’s varsity wrestling
team.
Jim, Connor’s father, watched his son tackle wrestling matches
on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Connor even wrestled both at
the junior varsity and varsity levels when the schedules overlapped.
Jim said he’s proud of his son for juggling school, sports,
and good health habits - things that Jim and his wife, Gale, say
are important to become a well-rounded person.
“We’ve been preaching college to our kids since they
were babies but while academics will help you in life, the lessons
learned at a sporting event such as team spirit and camaraderie
can’t be learned
with just academics,” Jim said.
To keep up with their sons through the week, the Simons sit down
together nightly for dinner. The mealtime helps both Connor and
Jim’s youngest son, Logan, talk about their concerns and activities
for the week.
“It’s critical,” Jim said. “It’s
a time for the family to iron things out and to see what’s
going on in our schedules.”
Connor agreed that dinner with his family is a great way to end
a long day. He does his homework during down time at school to make
room for after school wrestling and workouts at Bodytek on Mondays
and Sundays.
Connor said the physical activity keeps him energized throughout
the week.
A combination of cardio exercise and weight lifting builds his
endurance while a good diet keeps him fueled and levelheaded.
Connor also said he listens to music or watches ESPN to relax. Other
times he challenges his brother or dad to a home wrestling match.
He stretches to relax his muscles before he goes to bed.
It’s tough being a teenager, Connor said. But he’s determined
to focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
“It’s going to pay off in the end,” he said.
“If I keep working, it’s going to pay off.”
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