Fall break at Quincy University is a unique time, providing students with a long weekend to relax and recharge. Many students use this time to head home, but for student athletes, especially those in the middle of their seasons, fall break often looks different.

With a majority of student athletes in season, fall break is not always a time to relax or leave campus. Instead, it becomes an opportunity to focus on training, catch up on academics, or prepare for upcoming games. 

“I had to work some games for a class and get them out of the way,” Ross Huskey said.

For Huskey, the choice to stay on campus during fall break meant getting ahead with school obligations, which in turn allowed him more flexibility for family events later on. The combination of academics and athletics is often a balancing act, but Huskey chose to make the most of his time.

Other student athletes did not get a choice about staying on campus. Teams like volleyball, football, and soccer had games scheduled over the break, meaning their athletes remained in Quincy to represent the university.

“I had to stay over fall break because of soccer, we’re still in the midst of our season. Otherwise, I probably would have gone home, but like a lot of other students here, I’m here for my sport.” Reegan Hess said.

Despite missing the chance to return home, Hess said that the experience wasn’t without its positives. Spending extra time with teammates during a quieter time on campus helped foster a sense of camaraderie. For many athletes, fall break becomes a time to bond with teammates in ways they might not have the opportunity to during the regular hustle of classes and games.

Those athletes not in season used the time off from classes as a chance to unwind and relax. With no academic obligations, many spent time with friends and teammates, enjoying some stress-free activities that are hard to fit into their regular schedules.

“We watched football together and just hung out,” Brett Panick said. “It was nice to just be able to relax and not have to worry about assignments or practice.”

Others took the opportunity to spend extra time on the field, even if they weren’t required to. Some athletes practiced informally or worked on skills that they don’t always have the time to refine during the busy season. It was a way to make the break productive while still enjoying a less demanding schedule.

Fall break at Quincy University may mean different things to different students, but for many athletes, it’s a time to catch up—whether on their sport, their academics, or just some much-needed relaxation. The balancing act between being a student and an athlete is a challenging one, but fall break offers a moment for these students to take a breath, refocus, and prepare for what lies ahead, known as finals season.