By Jensen Boyd
As time passes, so do ideas. They get replaced with new, better and bolder ones. Well … not always.
Around 20 years ago Delta High School adopted a new class schedule. This change replaced the old 7:45 a.m. start schedule with the new 8:40 a.m. start schedule.
As a result, this would give students more time to sleep in or use the time for academic purposes.
This switch seemed like a big win. However, when the new schedule was implemented, student-athletes who typically woke up early to practice were disappointed. As of that day, their privilege was taken.
Athletes would not be allowed to practice or work out at school before the school day starts. And still, now in 2025, this issue remains the same as in previous years.
No students are permitted access to practice or work out at the school before classes start.
Swimmers aren’t allowed to get in extra laps before school.
Wrestlers can’t get an early workout in.
Even basketball players can’t put up an additional 200 free throws.
With this being said, a student’s discipline, work ethic and drive to want to improve should not be limited by schedule restrictions.
This regulation should be flipped, giving athletes the opportunity to perfect their craft.
To start, there is a very common nationwide saying— “In student-athlete, the word student comes first.” This means that as a student-athlete, your academics should come before your sports. I find this true.
Our current schedule, which prohibits morning practices, could be viewed as an example to support this saying.
However, students working out before school can also do well academically.
In reality, students who work out before school usually have more motivation, higher energy and stronger focus throughout the day.
A study conducted by the University of Charlotte proves this. In this study, elementary education professor Erik Byker and co-workers found that exercise, or any physical activity, before classes increased students’ test scores, overall physical activity and academic confidence.
If the time before school is used to help students prepare for the school day, then implementing morning practices would only prepare these students more.
If practicing and working out can improve performance in sports and academics, ending the ban on morning workouts is a no-brainer.
Next, some academic-related meetings and events are held at the school … in the morning … before classes start. Well, that’s not fair.
FCA meets every Tuesday at 8:03 a.m., and students in Chick-fil-A Leaders meet once a month on Mondays at 7:30 a.m. Women’s Empowerment meets on Friday mornings before school.
I attend most FCA meetings, and in my opinion, having it in the morning is a great way to prepare students for their days as they also grow in their faith.
With this being said, morning meetings have increased in their number of students, which shows that these clubs are thriving. So, if practices were allowed, the number of athletes training could also thrive.
This would enhance our sports teams and their success.
In terms of academics, the later schedule does support it, but students theoretically should have the ability to do whatever their heart desires until the first-period bell rings at 8:40 a.m.
If they want to sleep in, they are allowed. If they want to attend a club, they are allowed. If they want to wake up early and play video games, they are allowed.
So, with all of this being true, why would they not be allowed to use their morning time to practice their sport?
And yet if athletes were allowed to practice in the morning, nothing harmful about it would impact their school day. They would still be in school learning for seven hours, just like every other kid.
Lastly, not all sports are similar in the way they are played, but there are basic factors for athletes of all sports that help improve their performance.
One factor is that increasing mental toughness can result in better performance. Many people don’t want to wake up early. It can be mentally challenging, but being uncomfortable and staying disciplined is where success occurs.
Working hard, as well as getting extra practice and repetitions, is also a factor that helps many athletes become more confident and perform well.
Every athlete practices, but elite athletes practice during times when others are resting. Many top-class athletes know these factors and utilize them. They do this by working out in the morning while others are in bed.
One specific athlete, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, received much attention during his career for his legendary 4 a.m. workouts.
If you don’t know Kobe Bryant, you should know he had the most competitive mentality. He would be the first one in the gym. Last one out.
Why was he so good? Because he would outwork everyone, especially in the morning. Every dribble. Every shot. Every minute he was on the court while others were sleeping, he was gaining an edge on them.
This is what made him special.
Some might say that kids need sleep so that they can perform well in the classroom. However, I believe that students should have the option to do whatever they want before school.
They can sleep in. But they could also be productive and practice. It is what they want to do. Changing this rule simply gives them another option.
Others may also say that kids don’t need more than one practice a day. Once again, if a kid wants to practice longer than intended, they can. It is their choice. At least it should be.
Changing rules that have been set for many years can be hard. However, it can give student-athletes more favorable circumstances to grow.
We, as athletes in the school, have to show our concern regarding this issue.
If you are on board with this and want to impact the future of this school, you can contact leaders on the FLY team (student athlete leadership team).
Support can only grow from here.
NOTE: This column represents the personal opinion of sophomore Jensen Boyd. It does not necessarily represent the opinion of the Eagle’s Eye newspaper or Delta High School.
