At 6 a.m. at Aliso Niguel High School’s stadium, chilliness and fog fill the air, as do the Aliso Niguel Wolverines. Early morning practices have been an ongoing tradition for many high school teams, but they continue to spawn debate among athletes, coaches and even among some parents.
On one hand, the early morning practices help build discipline and let athletes maximize their day. On the other hand, however, it greatly tests players’ energy and health.
For players, the benefits are clear, but so are the disadvantages. The fact of being on the field when nobody else is around helps strengthen the team, but the challenges of the early mornings are hard to breeze by.
Lack of sleep is a primary concern for many. Teenagers are recommended to get a minimum of eight to 10 hours of sleep per night, but practices starting at six make this difficult.
The majority of players at Aliso Niguel wake up at 5 a.m. The combination of the early morning practice, late-night homework and, for many, extracurriculars, can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
Aiden Sidenstecker (10) shares, “I don’t really like practices in the morning because it’s hard for me to get the sleep I need while also having to keep up with all of my classes.”
Feeling fatigued from lack of sleep can also significantly increase the risk of injury and reduce commitment and focus during games and practices. When players push through this without properly recovering, their physical and mental health can decline.
Teachers have also seen the effects of these practices in the classroom. Some students who attend the practices come to class visibly tired, especially in the heat of a season.
The commitment to the game that these students show is respectable but the trade off between health and also academic wellbeing and their dedication to the game rise as concerns for many.
The early mornings come with challenges, but many athletes can all agree that attitude and health are what matter most. Players who are able to keep a good attitude, a good diet and take good care of their health always succeed in the game. Coaches help support players’ health by using physical activity, reminders about hydration or workout habits.
For the Wolverines, the early morning grind is more than just a practice; it’s a symbol of their pride and commitment to the game and the school. Every morning that the players show up, it represents their dedication to the game.
Despite this, the debate on whether early morning practices are beneficial or not continues to grow among many.
