How hard can life really be as a D1 athlete?

Ashton Pankey is number 30 for the University of Maryland Men’s Basketball team season 2011-2012. I gave him an interview this past week about the season this year including the struggles, approaches, and competition. A major concern I always had with D1 athletes dealt with balancing school and basketball, or what Ashton likes to call “work”. I asked him how he handled his everyday schedule with the strenuous combination.
Keeping Up With the Terps




Ashton is just one of the selected 15 that was chosen to play for UMD basketball this year, so I’m sure the competition was very competitive. Not only getting into the program, but making it as a team is a struggle. So I asked the 6’9 center forward to elaborate on this topic.
Fear the Turtle





After their recent Thanksgiving tournament in Puerto Rico, the men's basketball teams begin the season with a record of 2-2 as of 11/21/11. As a freshman on the court but a sophomore in the books, Pankey explains what goes on off the court.

Off the Court but STILL Game Ready



In addition to reviewing tapes, Ashton also mentions how the team practices hard, and goes to scoutings. Due to an injury, Pankey was unable to play his first year last year, so I asked another player that is a returning starter number 21, Pe'Shon Howard "What were the most challenging parts of playing in the season last year and why?" His response,"loosing...it was the most challenging. Im not use to it, and we lost a lot". After my interviews with both players, I have realized the difficulties and challenges that go into being an athlete at UMD, and the challenges they have to live up to just to get recognized and meet expectations of coaches, families, spectators, and fans. Good luck to the team this season!