Article by Adam Bellamy | Photography by Joshua Eller | Owl Staff
A student-athlete who loves to hunt and fish in what little free time he has, Ryan Cummings has supplanted himself as a key defender on HCC’s men’s lacrosse team in just two seasons. Simultaneously juggling school, work, and athletics may be intimidating to some, but Cummings admits it is very much a risk and reward system.
When asked about the added pressure, he states, “Playing a sport has helped me connect more with the school and use my time more effectively.” Constantly running around campus has allowed him to take advantage of the library and meeting with professors.
Cummings’ work ethic comes as no surprise after learning the best advice he has received from his coaches: “When the going gets tough, as long as you work hard and give it your best, you can’t fail.”
This inspirational message is one that he will carry with him as he plans on continuing his academic and athletic careers at Mount Olive College.
Freshman Maddie Hewitt is one of the newest additions to the Women’s Lacrosse team here at HCC, but make no mistake about it, she knows her way around a field. In her senior year at Havre de Grace High School, she was named Athlete of the Year, something she attributes to her teammates.
“Playing on a team with girls so much older than me gave me someone to look up to. When I scored my first goal, they were all so excited for me and my whole family was there too,” she exclaims. But even she went on to admit that is not an easy accomplishment.
“Freshman Maddie Hewitt is one of the newest additions to the Women’s Lacrosse team here at HCC, but make no mistake about it, she knows her way around a field.”
“Women’s lacrosse, as well as men’s, takes coordination, strength, endurance, quick thinking, and teamwork.” That’s on top of the schoolwork that she needs to keep up with, something that she feels is key for students looking to join any team. “School needs to come first, that’s ultimately why you’re here.”
And that’s an idea that Hewitt contemplates as she thinks about balancing her academic and athletic careers.
“I would love to play after Harford; unfortunately, I’m not too sure if I can. Once I transfer, my education will probably have to take up most of my time.”