The past two summers, The Tribune profiled local high school athletes who entered 4-H projects for the Jackson County Fair.
The 2020 fair was scheduled for this week, but it was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We still wanted to highlight the efforts that local student-athletes put into their 4-H projects, which were entered virtually this year. Look for profiles throughout the week.
Name: Bridget Marshall
School: Seymour High School
Grade: Graduated in May
Sport: Golf
Other school activities: FFA, Business Professionals of America
Number of years involved in 4-H: 10
4-H clubs: Hamilton Hammerheads, Waggin’ Pals
4-H projects this year: Child development, dog, horse (poster), Junior Leaders
How do you balance your sports and 4-H responsibilities?
My 4-H responsibilities take about one hour to one hour and 30 minutes, so I have a lot of time in the day to do sports and practice. Golf is a sport that when you’re out of season, you practice on your own, which allows me to make time for 4-H, as well. During the summer, there are tournaments across Indiana to compete in, and some being two days, I have to have either my parents or brother feed the dogs.
What is your typical schedule like during the summer when it comes to 4-H and sports? What is an average day like?
I start off my feeding the dogs and letting them out around 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Then I will go to the golf course in the middle of the day and either play or work on the game. When I get home, I train the dogs a little and play with them. Around 9 to 9:30 p.m., I will feed the dogs and put them in their cage for the night.
Why are you involved in both 4-H and athletics?
Growing up in a family that has competed in multiple sports, including golf, it was strongly encouraged for me to play sports. When I started kindergarten, my brother was already involved with 4-H through his friends. I followed in his footsteps and decided to join when I started school.
What is something you’ve learned from 4-H that translates to your sports or vice versa?
Throughout both 4-H and athletics, I have gained leadership skills and responsibilities. With golf, I learned how to be a leader on and off the golf course, which allowed me to run for multiple 4-H officer positions through my club. With 4-H, I have multiple responsibilities with dogs and getting everything ready for fair, which has helped me in golf take responsibility to practice on my own.
Why would you encourage someone in 4-H to also participate in athletics?
Athletics is a way for kids to stay healthy, which is one of the four H’s that make up 4-H. Athletics gives kids the changes to make lifelong friends that you get to help encourage throughout the season. Yes, it can be very challenging to do athletics and 4-H, but in the end, all of the memories and life lessons you learn will be worth it.