While some students simply go to class and may participate in a club or a sport, two student-athletes stand above and show their determination in both school and their love for their sports teams.Sophomore Kevin Persick and freshman Mike Barba are two student athletes playing two sports during their college career. These two athletes are alike because both play football and baseball.

Persick knows how to balance his schedule already, having a year under his belt. However, this past year was not the smoothest one for this 6’2 linebacker.

In last season’s Oct. 2 away game against Northern Iowa, Persick was transported to a nearby hospital after suffering an injury right after a Colonel touchdown.

Having to sit on the sideline for the remainder of the football season and the entire baseball season, Persick was still involved with both while having to handle school.

“It was very tough especially having to take online classes,” Persick said. “With two sports, I definitely spend most of my time studying and I don’t get much time off but it’s something I like to do.”

Now, almost fully recovered, Persick is ready to get back on both fields.

With just a few days of college under his belt, Barba is eager to start his playing career for the Colonels.

The common trend for most high school athletes is to play two or three sports easily, however, playing two sports in college is uncommon.

“South Terrebonne High School is more laid back,” Barba said. “However, football at Nicholls is faster and has bigger guys. When we practice, we practice hard. I know baseball will be the same.”

Barba is sure that he will be able to handle the road less traveled by playing two sports while juggling schoolwork. Barba is majoring in athletic training as well; a major requiring a large majority of time for clinicals and studying.

“I am taking 17 hours,” Barba said. “Both sports require study hall which will help as well as studying on my days off. I look forward to the challenge though.”

Persick and Barba are looking forward to the kickoff of both seasons.

Persick shares words of wisdom about playing two sports while keeping up with school and having a social life.

“If it is something you love to do, then do it,” Persick said.

Catch Persick and Barba during both football and baseball seasons. Football will start their first game against the Dukes of Duquesne on Sept. 12, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.

Redshirt freshman Kevin Persick plays linebacker in football and first baseman in baseball for the Colonels. (Amanda Jefferson)