Life in the off-season

Caden Schalk stays in shape for baseball season

By Zack Frieder and Arianna Bergman

Wake up at 7 AM. Finish a few random math problems, read a chapter of a book for LA, drive to school, go to the gym during an off period, leave school and drive straight to practice, get home, eat dinner, and do another few hours of homework.

The life of a typical high school athlete during their sports season is grueling. The work seems to be never ending.

Dedication to athletics is vital to success, but makes it extremely difficult to keep up with school, maintain a social life, and have other hobbies and priorities.

However, during the off season, many athletes’ schedules open up.

Senior outfielder for the Monarch baseball team, Caden Schalk ‘22, stays involved in baseball while also branching out.

“While I’m not in season, I try to focus on myself and not dedicate everything that I do to baseball,” Schalk said. “For example, get a job, spend time with friends and family, and try to split up having time for myself and baseball.”

Working out and throwing with his dad are still woven into his schedule, but Schalk aims to make sure he has time for himself.

For many people, the off season is the time to grow as an athlete and a student. Everyone’s routine is different. Some people prioritize their home life and completely step away from the sport. Others continue to prioritize their sport and play year round. For some sports, practice during the winter isn’t even an option due to Colorado weather.

No matter what, the off season is valuable time for athletes to reset.

Girls Swimming

“I’m looking forward to having meets in person because last year all of our meets were virual but this year we are actually swimming with a team that is there with us in real time and I really missed that last season.” — Alicia Chapman ‘22

mix & MATCHES

A look at Monarch’s teams, althetes, and everything sports

Girls Basketball““One of the goals I have for our team is to win the league championship again because I think we can definitely do it. We have a lot of skill on our team this year.” — Arezo Safi ‘23

““The farther you get really shows who actually puts in the work and who doesn’t, unlike other sports where you can really float off of athleticism.” — Dillon Roman ‘22 Wrestling

“Hockey “I think it’s the most exciting sport to watch and to be a part of, especially if there’s a lot of people in the stands cheering us on. It makes us play harder and it’s physical.” — Liam McKewan ‘22

Ballin’ with Myers

Boys basketball hopes to make comeback

By Zack Frieder and Arianna Bergman

The Monarch boys basketball season is just a few games in, and Garrett Myers ‘22 is confident. He hopes to lead the team far into the playoffs.

“I think last season we had a lack of motivation with no fans and no student section. That really affected us,” Myers said. “We didn’t have the support that we needed to be our best.”

The team had a disappointing end to the season last year, with a first round playoff exit to Mountain Vista, making it the second year in a row the team was eliminated in the first round.

“I have been on Varsity since I was a sophomore, and we haven’t made it past the first round both years,” Myers said. “I feel like as a senior it’s my job for the team and for myself to make a deep run into the playoffs.”

With the leadership of Myers and the talent that the team has, this is a big season for Monarch boys basketball.

Garrett Myers ‘22 plays in the first home game of the 2021 season.