From the mat and onto the field, spring sports are in full swing for these second year varsity wrestlers.
On March 2, 2026, tryouts for spring sports began. Two students who participated in this past wrestling season this winter, sophomores Ruby Ryan and Braden Ostlund, know exactly how difficult it can be to quickly transition between two sports.
Tryout week is easily the most demanding period of time for these athletes because they are obligated to dedicate their time, effort, and energy into their sports. Both of their careers in each sport have spanned over a majority of their lives.
“I have played baseball since I was about five,” Ostlund said. “So a little over ten years now.”
Competing at a varsity level in Class A athletics is extremely impressive and difficult to achieve. With their dedication, this past winter season has generated numerous achievements for each athlete’s careers.
“I got to see the results I was looking for,” Ryan said. “Each tournament that I went to or returned to I placed first or higher than I did the previous year.”
Apart from the high school programs, numerous athletes participate in athletics outside of the school, with many athletes competing together under the same organization.
“I’m going to start wrestling for a club this summer,” Ostlund said. “Other than that, I’m playing Legion ball for the school in the summer as well.”
Time management skills are crucial for varsity athletes to obtain, especially when their seasons overlap. Managing workouts, practices, and their own free time is especially important.
“In the winter, I really make sure that on the weekends I go hit in the garage or play catch with my dad,” Ostlund said. “Wrestling takes up a lot of time during the week, so I need to prioritize my weekends for baseball.”
As rewarding as being a dual sport athlete may seem, it unfortunately has its flaws as well. Many athletes are challenged by the many aspects of the transition between the two sports.
“Knowing that you’re prioritizing two sports instead of one, while other athletes around you are only prioritizing one,” Ryan said. “It just leaves you behind in some aspects.”
Despite its difficulties, athletes often find themselves feeling grateful for playing more than one sport, as it is extremely rewarding when they find success.
“Seeing that I can go into each sport and perform well,” Ryan said. “Just how I can transfer my skills, whether physical or leadership, into the next sport. I find that very rewarding.”
Playing two sports is not for everyone, but those who choose to take on the task typically become better athletes, and overall better people. Success is eminent for these two athletes as well as others as they begin their journey into the spring sport season.