by Aleksandr Savich (Posted on November 2, 2026 @ 11:39 a.m.)

For many student-athletes, playing a sport takes more than just showing up for games. It requires dedication, hard work, and time management. At Alamo Heights Junior School, student-athletes must balance their athletic responsibilities with homework, classes, and getting enough sleep. For track athletes, early morning practices can be especially challenging because they have to wake up earlier than usual and still be ready to learn throughout the school day. Although early practices can help students develop discipline and improve their athletic skills, they can also leave athletes feeling exhausted and make it difficult to focus in class. By examining one athlete’s experience and published research about sleep, it becomes clear that early practices have both benefits and challenges.

To learn more about the effects of early practice, I interviewed Gunnar Pape, a track athlete, about his experiences and opinions. His answers reveal how early practices can affect athletes’ routines, discipline, and ability to concentrate in class. Research about student-athletes also helps explain why getting enough sleep is important for balancing sports and academics.

One major benefit of early practice is that it can help student-athletes develop discipline. Athletes have to be willing to wake up early, follow a schedule, and put effort into improving their performance. These responsibilities can teach students how to stay committed to their goals, even when something is difficult. When asked whether early practices help build discipline, Pape explained, “I think that they do help build discipline because it forces you to wake up earlier than normal.” His response shows that early practice can encourage athletes to become more responsible and committed to their sport.

Discipline is important in sports because athletes need to work consistently to improve. They cannot expect to become better without putting in time and effort. Learning to wake up early and attend practice can help students understand that success often requires sacrifices. These habits can also be useful outside athletics, especially when students have to complete assignments, prepare for tests, and manage busy schedules. However, discipline is only one part of being a successful student-athlete. Students must also take care of their health and make time for schoolwork and rest.

The timing and frequency of practices are important parts of an athlete’s schedule. When asked about the usual time for track practice, Pape answered, “For track, normally around six-thirty.” At Alamo Heights Junior School, school starts at 8:30 a.m., and track practices last about one hour to one and a half hours. Practices happen almost every day, depending on the event. This schedule means athletes must organize their mornings carefully so they can attend practice and still be ready for school. Football also has early practices, so athletes in different sports may face similar challenges when balancing training and education.

Although athletes may benefit from early practices, waking up early can make it difficult to get enough sleep. An athlete who has to wake up early may need to go to bed earlier to get sufficient rest. This can be challenging when students have homework, family responsibilities, and other activities after school. Without a good routine, students may struggle to find enough time for both sleep and their responsibilities.

Research supports the importance of sleep for students. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents who do not get enough sleep are more likely to experience attention and behavior problems that can contribute to poor academic performance. The CDC also explains that getting sufficient sleep helps students concentrate and stay focused in school. This information is important because student-athletes need to be alert in class just as they need energy during practice. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Sleep and Health.”)

Pape’s experience illustrates this challenge. When asked how early practices affect him, he said, “I am super tired for the rest of the day.” His response suggests that the effects of practice can continue long after the workout ends. Even when athletes finish exercising, they still have to attend classes, listen to teachers, complete assignments, and prepare for tests. Feeling exhausted can make these responsibilities more difficult.

Pape explained the problem further when he said, “It is very hard to pay attention in class because your all tired and stuff and you don’t know what’s going on and you zone out alot.” His experience shows how tiredness can interfere with learning. When students have difficulty concentrating, they may miss important information or need additional time to understand lessons. This can create extra stress when they also have practices and other activities to manage.

A 2024 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports examined sleep patterns among 157 British student-athletes. The researchers found that more frequent early morning sports sessions were associated with shorter weekday sleep and poorer reported sleep characteristics. The study did not prove that early practices cause lower grades, and its participants were not students at Alamo Heights Junior School. However, its findings support the idea that the timing of sports practices can be an important factor in student-athletes’ sleep. (Wilson et al., “Early Morning Sport Scheduling Is Associated with Poorer Subjective Sleep Characteristics in British Student-Athletes.”)

For student-athletes at Alamo Heights Junior School, finding a balance between sports and academics is important. Early practices can help students improve their skills, develop discipline, and become more committed to their teams. At the same time, athletes need enough sleep to recover from physical activity and stay alert during class. Going to bed at a reasonable time, organizing homework, and following a consistent schedule can help students manage their responsibilities. Coaches and families can also help athletes establish routines that support both athletic performance and education.

Ultimately, early track practice has both advantages and disadvantages for student-athletes. Gunnar Pape’s interview shows that early practices can build discipline, but they can also cause tiredness and make it harder to pay attention in class. Published research supports the importance of adequate sleep and suggests that frequent early morning sports sessions may affect student-athletes’ sleep patterns. At Alamo Heights Junior School, the goal should be to help students succeed in both sports and academics. Early practices can be beneficial when athletes have enough time to rest, recover, and complete their schoolwork. With the right balance, students can continue improving on the track while protecting their ability to learn in the classroom.