Life as a student-athlete at Ohio State is often difficult and involves the maintenance of a balance between sports and schoolwork. Life as an OSU men’s gymnast is no exception and members of the team must try to maintain this balance each day.

“To be successful, student-athletes must make sacrifices,” said Kristopher Kline, a senior who competes in all events. “On this team that is something we all do willingly.”

Five members of the team were named All-American Scholar Athletes this season, and the team is currently ranked ninth in the nation in team grade point average.

As a result of the team’s commitment to excellence both in and out of the gymnasium, many of the gymnasts have little free time.

“I am taking 18 credit hours this quarter and run out of hours each day,” Kline said. “The heavy load helps to keep me organized and focused.”

In addition to practice and schoolwork, Kline said he also spends much of his time throughout the week volunteering at the OSU hospitals.

Willie Ito, a senior who competes in the pommel horse, parallel bars and high bar, said he doesn’t have time for a job between school and gymnastics.

Most members of the team have been student-athletes their entire lives and are accustomed to dedicating their time to the sport.

Nicholaus Searcy, a senior who competes in the vault, parallel bars and high bar, said he has a busy life, but that he is used to it by now. He also said he has been a gymnast since he was three-years-old.

Ito, who began gymnastics at six-years-old, said he is used to budgeting his time.

Many of the gymnasts take advantage of the resources available at OSU and plan to pursue a career beyond gymnastics after graduation.

Searcy said he has no set plan but would like to begin a career in golf.

“I used to play a lot of golf, but now most of my time is spent studying or practicing,” he said. “I try to spend what little free time I have practicing golf. I guess I will just wait and see where it takes me once my gymnastics career is over.”

If that doesn’t work out, Searcy said he could see himself as a personal trainer or a nutritionist.

Kline said he plans to continue his academic career after graduation and attend biomedical graduate school.

Ito said he will attend graduate school and pursue a career in physical therapy after his gymnastics career is over at OSU.

Zach Faulds can be reached at [email protected].