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Sports build character. They help us interact with others and build leadership in some. They keep us in shape. Sports keep kids active and, most of the time, out of trouble, too.
Schools need athletics, and students do as well. Playing a sport while getting an education can release stress. It can provide escape from the world and give you something to focus on – something that is worth your time.
Most people would agree that a high school or college without sports wouldn’t be the same. In fact, some people might not even attend if there were no sports.
Some community colleges lack good sports programs because most students don’t attend for four years. It’s hard to build a good program when everyone leaves so quickly. But that’s not to say sports is not worth having.
Many high school students attend a community college before going to a four-year university. It saves on cost and prepares students who want to attend a university. For those students, time spent at a community college can be short-lived. But who is to say you shouldn’t stay active and play sports at the same time? Most students would. But when it comes time to leave and attend a university, how do you just leave?
Chris Rubio, a senior at Texas Tech University, knows what it feels like. After high school, Rubio attended North Central Texas Community College. It was there that he was able to get some basics out of the way, work and save up to attend Texas Tech. And with all that, he still found a way to continue to do what he loved: play hockey.
Rubio has played hockey since middle school. He played goalie for his high school team and was able to continue playing while attending NCTCC.
“I honestly didn’t even think they would have a team,” he said. “But when I found out they were playing inline in Denton, I had to play.”
The inline team had not been around long and was in dire need of good, experienced players.
“When I played for them we weren’t that good, but that wasn’t the point,” he said. “I was able to continue playing. That’s all that mattered to me.”
Once the year was over, Rubio was able to attend Texas Tech. He figured the move would be good for his education. But what about the team?
“It was tough leaving the team,” he said. “Even though I hadn’t been there long, we were a team. We were friends. But I also knew that being able to play for Tech would give me the opportunity to enhance the level of my game. And my education.”
Once Rubio enrolled at Tech, he was able to join the inline team, which at the time was looking for a goalie. Things seemed to fit perfectly. But what about the new team? Would he fit in?
“When I came to Tech, I really felt at home with the team,” he said. “The level of competition was higher, and I felt like I was only going to get better. The league was better too.”
The Tech inline team plays in the Southwestern Collegiate Hockey League. The SCHL includes teams such as UT-Austin and Texas A&M but also gives students a chance to play at the national level against teams all over the country.
Rubio undoubtedly was happy with his decision. He said he thought he was treated the same as any other team member. He knew he made the right choice and eventually was able to become the No. 1 goalie for the team.
“I can imagine it is hard for some athletes to transfer schools,” he said. “The sport I play isn’t very big at Tech, so I can imagine it’s tougher for someone who plays football or basketball at Tech to have an even tougher time if they transferred. But ultimately, it’s still the same process. You just have to continue to work hard and do what you love.”
“Confidence is the biggest thing to overcome, I think. It is a barrier for any transfer athlete. You come in and you just don’t know anyone. Sometimes your confidence level can struggle. You just have to stay focused and play your game.”
Rubio said he wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again.
“The education is the most important part,” he said. “Being able to play hockey at the same time is just a bonus.”
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