By Staff Writer, Innesa Ranchpar

Wake up at 6:00 a.m., go to school by 7:30 a.m., attend football practice during sixth period, go to track practice until 4:30, swim until 6:00 p.m., get back home by 7:00 p.m., eat a quick dinner, start studying for four AP classes, and then, finally get some sleep.
This is the daily routine for Jonathan Mai (’08).
“Although we worry because it is a little too much for him, we see he is working so hard for it and enjoying himself while doing it, so we don’t stop him,” his father Trinh Mai said.
Last year, Mai joined track with other football players in order to get in better shape and was the only one who joined swim.  Currently, he is on varsity track and junior varsity swim.  Both sports have improved his speed and endurance.
“The more sports anybody plays, they become a better athlete,” varsity football coach Dennis Hughes said. “Track improves speed, football improves agility and competitiveness, and swimming improves endurance. All three [sports] work together to make [Mai] a better athlete.”
After some time, these sports became not just a way to improve, but something he has fun doing. While he works hard on weekdays, Mai believes weekends are a time for him to rest and have fun.
“The coaches have been very generous in allowing me to juggle all the sports,” Mai said.  “They are very flexible with their schedules.  If there were some meets on certain days, it wouldn’t bother them if I missed a day.”
Many would believe this chaos would affect Mai’s grades.  However, it has actually helped him improve in school.
“I don’t know how he handles all those AP classes with three sports,” friend Tiffany Takade said. “I don’t know anyone else who could do that.”
Instead of procrastinating, he now manages his time more efficiently and focuses more on getting his work done.
“In all the sports that I’ve [played], it’s always been my effort, not my talent, that has benefited me the most,” Mai said.
Mai is also motivated by the school’s lack of spirit and support of the football team. To reduce the apathy, Mai aims to do his best to achieve a winning record.
With his passion for all these sports, he will undoubtedly continue to be an exceptional athlete.