Jack French is one of those rare three sport athletes, and he’s doing it all while balancing junior year.

Sports have always come naturally to French. “I’ve been playing baseball and basketball my whole life,” he said. Yet, two sports just weren’t enough.

At the beginning of his junior year, French tried football for the first time. From the start, French had a natural love for the sport.

Brian Doll, head football coach, saw this from the start. “He came out with such a love for the sport. Watching him play was a great learning experience as a coach,” Doll said. “He grew up quickly on the field.”

For French, the time commitment of three sports isn’t much of a trade off. “I’m very busy most of the time, but it’s worth it,” French said.

Playing three sports has helped him manage his time consistently between athletics, school work and a social life.

French didn’t hesitate to ensure the worthiness of playing three sports. “I don’t have a lot of time to relax, but I would much rather be doing something than sitting around all day watching
Netflix.”

Even his coaches understand the difficulty in managing three varsity sports. Doll admires French’s dedication in managing them.

“It’s extremely difficult [to manage three sports]. I give credit to anyone who’s doing it. You have to have a structured approach in working out how you’ll manage school, family and friends,” Doll said.

However, playing three different sports only stands to benefit French. Basketball coach Scott Fricke believes that the different sports have positive effects on each other.

“They definitely benefit French’s athletic ability. Football makes French tougher. Playing basketball helps him become better at football and baseball,” Fricke said.

The combination of three sports also helps him to build relationships with different people, especially those on the different teams.

Ben Kleinberg, a junior who plays football with French, commends him for his sportsmanship and attitude on the field. “He has a positive attitude 24/7 and he always brings it to the table. He’s a total team player,” Kleinberg said.

Fricke added, “He’s a great kid to have on the team. He gets along with everyone.”
His athletic ability is also noticed by his coaches and teammates.

Arham Sheikh, a senior on French’s basketball team, said, “He’s the Kobe of the team. He was one of the best players.”

Doll agreed and added, “People gravitate towards him because he’s so likable and reliable. He’s such a trustworthy leader.”

Billy Fauntleroy, a junior who used to play basketball with French, simply believes French to be an all around great player.

“He has the heart of a lion. He’s a fierce athlete who obviously loves the sport,” Fauntleroy said.
Of of his many seasons, French contributes most of his success to his current basketball season. “I am still picking up on the offense in football,” French said.

French had difficulty attributing his success to one coach in particular. “I don’t think I could choose only one of my coaches as the best. They have all had a different, but equal, impact on me,” French said.

With his busy schedule, French remains positive towards the future. “Hopefully, I will continue to play sports in college,” French said. “Right now, I’m not sure what sport I want to play.”