For many New Trier students the college process can be daunting. It is a decision that directly affects your life for the next four years.

For athletes, that is a whole new added layer to think about. Who has the best facilities, what’s the better coaching staff, how are the teammates, etc.

On top of all that, military academies add another level of commitment than a typical four year college.

The number and magnitude of responsibility is heightened as well. Each day is filled with academics, military training, and athletics.

For Senior Clay Czyzynski, this order and responsibility is something that appealed to him. “[West Point] was one of my dream schools, and football gave me an opportunity to attend such a highly esteemed institution.”

Although, Czyzynski should be no stranger to order and responsibility given the nature of his position in football, quarterback. Two attributes that could separate a mediocre and great quarterback.

While there are many different things to handle when attending a military academy, there are programs to help athletes with academics.

West Point has tutoring programs, athletic academic support coordinators, and scheduling supervisors. Also, for many athletes, military training can take place during weekends in the offseason.

Senior Griff Perry, also attending West Point, is hoping to walk onto the Black Knights’ tennis team in the fall. Perry said his interest in attending a service academy started around his sophomore year, and even visited the summer before senior year where he learned all he needed to know about the school and its curriculum.

He described the application as “a very, very, long process” that not only includes his academic record and recommendations, but “there were multiple fitness tests, and medical tests… that take time. When I found out I was accepted I was overjoyed and glad that all my efforts and hard work paid off.”

Although, there is some hard work still to be done before school starts at West Point in the fall. “My only concern now,” said Perry, “is trying to get into the best shape possible before reporting July 3rd. There’s a 6-8 week training period for new cadets that is very physically intense.”

While a attending a military academy is a major commitment, both Czyzynski and Perry said that family and friends have been supportive with their decisions, and they are excited to get on campus.