Fall sports comeback: The 3-sport student-athlete

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Mister Chavis. Photo by Victor Moreno

 

High school athletes have been on pins and needles in preparation for what they hope is a fall season of competition. Football will be the last fall sport to come back, officially returning to practice Sept. 8 in preparation for the season starting in October. Because of the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s intent to stagger the opening of athletic play, seasons could back into each other, giving another challenge to three-sport athletes like Maricopa High School senior Mister Chavis.

Mister C. Chavis Jr.
Age: 17
Parents: Sherry & Te-Airre Dunn
Originally from: St. Louis, Missouri
Sports: Football, basketball and track & field

Photo by Victor Moreno

Favorite sport: Football. I know that my opponents know that I am going to get the ball. The thing is… “Now you have to catch me!” It’s a physical and mental sport, and I have accepted both.
Classroom Study strength: English
Greatest achievement so far: When I was a sophomore, I was named 5A San Tan Region Second Team as a running back.
Virtual classtime: I have enjoyed my experience with Distance Learning. I feel that it is
helping me to prepare for college.
Are you concerned about the impact COVID-19 will have on the sports year? Yes. I am concerned about the safety of my teammates and myself while playing. The number of games that we are going to be able to play will impact the amount of film I will be able to produce while on the field in action.
How have you coped with the COVID-19 protocols while still staying in shape? Trying to remain motivated by running drills in my backyard and in parks. Having my family members record me so that I can see the progress that I have continued to make. My family has continued to cheer for me! That’s what helps me to keep pushing doing these times.
What are your plans after high school? Attending college to obtain a degree in sports medicine. Continuing my football career at the college level and of course making my mother even prouder of me!


This story appears in the September issue of InMaricopa magazine.