For almost every college student, maintaining a good grade point average as well as just getting schoolwork done can be almost a challenge.

As the school year drags on, the amount of homework, reading assignments, papers, group projects, quizzes and tests all seem to pile up, with little time to complete each different assignment. But although it can be tough making sure every assignment is done to a student’s best ability, it’s a job that needs to be done.

For Caleb Belcher, a junior sports management major who plays safety for Millikin University’s own football team, completing assignments and achieving good grades is very important.

While many students simply go about their classes, complete their homework and then either work or spend time with friends, Belcher, along with his teammates, are busy a practicing for football as well as studying. Almost everyday during the season, Belcher gets up early in the morning and attends lifting for football. Afterwards Belcher is busy attending his classes throughout the middle of the day, while during the afternoon, Belcher is hard at work at football practice along with his teammates, leaving the evening and night to studying and completing homework.

While Belcher only has classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it does not mean that his schedule is entirely free. Because of all the combined responsibilities of playing a college sport, Belcher’s time can become strained. When not at lifting or at practice, the Belcher, along with his teammates, are out on the field playing the game, or traveling to away games throughout the area. Additionally, the football team is also responsible for taking part in mandatory meetings from time to time, which further stretches Belcher’s already tight schedule.

Although being busy with class work, while additionally participating in a college sport, can be stressful and overbearing at times, according to Belcher, the most important thing to do is to be proactive about work.

“Don’t wait to do schoolwork; get it done as early as possible, because the chances are that, in the future, your schedule may change because of practice or games, and you will be left with little time to complete your assignments,” said Belcher.

Even after a long day of attending classes and practicing football, it’s important for Belcher to complete his studies, as not to get behind on any of his work. Additionally, completing schoolwork on time, according to Belcher, should be seen as one of the main goals for every student athlete.

“It’s also extremely important to get your schoolwork, because, if you do not complete your schoolwork, you may become ineligible, because of campus rules regarding student athletes. If you become ineligible you won’t be able to play,” Belcher said.

So although it can become difficult maintaining good grades while also participating in a college level sport, it’s the love of the game that keeps Belcher going, along with the knowledge that schoolwork is extremely important.