When someone says college athletics, what do you think? Big games, big names, free rides, and — of course — a hint of arrogance, a dash of popularity and a spoonful of glamour. Well, I’m not trying to be biased (I play basketball for NAU), but when someone says college athletics, I think about the cliché blood, sweat and tears. That is the basis of college athletics — blood, a lot of sweat and even more tears.

Most college athletes played for years prior to playing in college. Some played club sports, and others only experienced high school athletics. One thing is certain: Each athlete spent hours practicing, preparing and participating in his or her sport to reach the college level. High school sports were the easy part.

College is another world. You don’t only practice your sport; you live it. Instead of going to a party, you stay in and prepare for tomorrow night’s game. Instead of going to the movies, you study your scouting report and get to bed early. When your peers complain about being tired, you bitterly think about your 6 a.m. conditioning three times a week on top of two-a-day practices. Sounds glamorous, right? Probably not.

A good way to understand college athletics is to picture it as a full-time job. To be eligible by NCAA regulations, all athletes must take a full course load of 12 credits and pass six credits each semester. But it gets more complicated. Even though student athletes are required to pass only six credits each semester, they must pass a total of 18 credits each school year and stay on progress toward earning their degree. Therefore, skirting by, passing the bare minimum of six credits each semester would render the athlete ineligible for the following season.

In addition to schoolwork, student athletes practice and perform up to 20 countable hours a week during season. Countable hours relate to your sport, such as film, team meetings, practice or competition. These are all things athletes are required to attend to be a part of the team. Non-countable hours include study hall (which is required for several athletes), rehab/treatment or anything voluntary. You’d be surprised how much extra time is required for success in college sports, and most of those extra hours don’t count as overtime.

In addition to working the equivalent of a full-time job, student athletes must also travel to away games or matches. During the season, some sports travel up to five days a week, missing all the classes that occurred during those days. Imagine being in the middle of the semester, close to finals, and you have to pack up and leave. Imagine leaving a week before Thanksgiving and not returning to class until after the holiday. It’s possible, but student athletes must have time-management skills, be in constant communication with professors and work ahead.

Now, I’m not trying to lead a crusade for athletics, saying how we’re misunderstood and how sad our lives are. That’s not the case.

There is a plethora of rewards that come from college athletics.

First and foremost, we are able to play the sport we love, and the things we give up are definitely worth it. There aren’t many people who are able to play competitive sports after high school.

Also, we work to earn our college education. Just as many other students work to pay their way through college, we dribble a ball or swing a club to pay our way. And I can’t help but mention the corny but true statement that the bonds we make with our teammates will last forever.

It’s not just about the games; it’s about the memories. Personally, I can’t always remember exactly how each game went, how many points I scored or whether I started. What I do remember is messing around with my teammates in the hotel after a big game, goofing off in the airports, or quoting our favorite movies or inside jokes. My team is my family here at NAU, and I depend on them to share with me the blood, sweat, and tears, as well as the memories.