If a survey was to be taken of middle school athletes, asking them if they were going to continue their sports in college, the answer would be practically a resounding yes. The amount of student athletes who keep feeding this dream throughout the rest of their schooling careers, however, is less than 5%.

Several student athletes at GNA chose to continue their sports at the next level. Regardless of the sport, the ability to play sports in college is dependent on two things: hard work and love of the game.  Six students from GNA, John Guszak, Kris Seiwell, Eric Jeffries, Miranda Bohn, Megan Murphy, and Chris Maute, are chasing their childhood dreams and will play collegiate sports next year during their respective seasons. The GNA Insider asked four of these six athletes a couple questions about their future athletic careers.

Eric Jeffries, Misericordia University Football

Q: What motivates you to do so well in your sport?

Eric: I am motivated to do well in football because of my love for the sport. I enjoy every aspect of football so the hard work required to be successful is just fun.

Q: What aspect of college sports excites you the most?

Eric: I am excited about the raised level of competition. In high school sports, there are always some people on the field who are not the best. In college, mostly everyone is pretty good.

Q: Is there anything about playing college sports that makes you nervous?

Eric: I am slightly worried about the early morning workouts. I’m not exactly a morning person so lifting art 8:00am will be a bit of a challenge for me.

Q: Are there any tips that you could give to athletes who also aspire to play college sports?

Eric: I would say that it’s all about getting your name out there. Go to as many camps and fill out as many recruitment questionnaires as you can. Also make a highlight tape and send it to the coaches of the schools you are interested in.

John Guszak, Misericordia University Football

Q:What motivates you to do so well in your sport?

John: All my family and friends motivate me to do as well as I can possibly do in the sport I love. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication but it is great when you have something to play for.

Q:What aspect of college sports excites you the most?

John: I am excited to see the level of intensity I will be playing at in college. Also I can’t wait to start the lifting program and agility workouts to make myself a better player.

Q:Is there anything about playing college sports that makes you nervous?

John: I wouldn’t say I’m nervous I would just say I’m prepared to get ready and vie for a starting position as a freshman.

Q:Are there any tips that you could give to athletes who also aspire to play college sports?

John: Follow your dreams and never settle for less. Try your hardest and try exposing yourself to as many college opportunities as possible at whatever level you choose.

Chris Maute, Mercyhurst North East Wrestling

Q: What motivates you to do so well in your sport?

Chris: What motivates me is the bond you make with the team that turns into a brotherhood and my family and friends who  push me do well and keep going even when I am tired and ready to give up. They are there to help me keep going and win.

Q: What aspect of college sports excites you the most?

Chris: What aspect excites me? Being able to travel and meet new people and the challenges that lay ahead. Also I can’t wait for the chance to better myself and for the season to start.

Q: Is there anything about playing college sports that makes you nervous?

Chris: What will make me nervous in my college sport is that the change in the sports pace will increase rapidly at a much faster rate. Also there is a change of the rules.

Q: Are there any tips that you could give to athletes who also aspire to play college sports?

Chris: The tip I would give is work hard and make sure your grades stay up so you can do well in your sport. Keeping your grades up is the easiest way to participate it any sport.

Megan Murphy, Misericordia University Softball

Q: What motivates you to do so well in your sport?

Megan: People always told me I wasn’t good enough to play sports at a higher level, so that motivated me to prove them all wrong.

Q: What aspect of college sports excites you the most?

Megan: The more competitive competition excites me the most.

Q: Is there anything about playing college sports that makes you nervous?

Megan: Probably just making the most out of the opportunities I’ll be given during a game. I’ll only be given so many chances so I want to be able to play the best that I can.

Q: Are there any tips that you could give to athletes who also aspire to play college sports?

Megan: I would tell younger athletes to never lose focus of your goals and if you work hard enough, people will notice you.