Season’s overlap doubles demand

200 extra laundry bags. Practice at 11 p.m. Extended work hours. Balancing two sports at once.

The overlap period between winter and spring sports affects athletes, staff and student workers alike. With twice as many athletes, the usual hustle and bustle of the Regents Center is only heightened. With more work needed, keeping everything running efficiently becomes a balancing act.

Ask Anna DiCecco (‘13), a student trainer who works with both the women’s basketball and softball teams.

“I usually come straight from class,” DiCecco said. She added that the training room could be open until 10 p.m. “It’s not that bad. We think, ‘okay this is coming up, this is what is going to happen.’”

The injury load is also different, giving the trainers opportunity to execute more of their knowledge, with winter athletes handling long-term injuries and spring athletes needing treatment for overuse injuries.

Though accounting for five extra sports takes a toll in the training room, DiCecco and her coworker Alison Vandegrift (‘12) enjoy the busied time period.

“It’s easier being a senior because we have done it a few times.” Vandegrift said.

Sarah Sindelar (‘14), a two-sport athlete, also felt the effects of the overlap. Sindelar competes as a diver and is on the track and field team. It was her first season as a diver.

“It’s a big commitment to do both sports,” Sindelar said. She decided to add diving to her repertoire after motivation from friends. “It is hard to transition into track because the training is a lot different. I originally wanted to go for the 55m record, so it is kind of a disappointment to not be at full potential.”

With the SRC being in high demand, athletes in club sports are also affected by this transition period and often have unusual practice times. The women’s Ultimate Frisbee team regularly gathers from 9 to 11p.m.

Most athletes see the stress as temporary and are grateful for opportunities to practice and compete.

“I enjoyed the challenges of diving and got to try a new sport.” Sindelar said. She now divides her week to attend both practices. Sindelar will travel with the Norse swimming and diving teams this weekend for the LAC Championships.

The season overlap will fade with the conclusion of the winter sports, meaning that work and practice schedules will soon return to normal.

“It takes some getting used to, but the spring has been easier.” DiCecco said. “Being prepared is what is important.”