Years from now when the singlet, football pads and baseball glove have been retired, Sean and Tommy McCormick will be glad academics were emphasized more than sports in their high school careers.
As a result of their hard work at balancing sports and the classroom, both brothers were named Academic All-Americans by the National High School Coaches’ Association.
“It’s nice to be recognized for doing well in the classroom,” said Sean, who received the honor last year, as well. “This year, I really put away more time at night doing school work. Last year, I would do work at last moment. This year, I felt more on top of things.”
Academics are strictly enforced in the McCormick household.
“They’re tough, outstanding athletes as well as intellectual students,” Fallon wrestling coach Trevor de Braga said. “A lot of this falls on their parents to push them to be the best and want the best for their kids.”
It started with the oldest, Megan, who completed her first year at Carroll College, and it’s now trickled down to her brothers with parents Tom and Missy pushing them to get the best grades possible.
“There would be no phones, no video games, no going out,” Sean, a sophomore, said. “You definitely need to strive for A’s.”
Sean, who won the state title in wrestling for the second time and played on the gridiron and baseball diamond, was better prepared this year in handling his sports and school schedules. Instead of cramming everything at the last minute, he had a more balanced approach and it paid off again. Wrestling and baseball, though, caused both to miss classes on Thursdays and Fridays but it made for a fun Sunday night.
“All of that school work and to get it all turned back on the following Monday and Tuesday, there was a lot of homework that Sunday night,” Sean said.
Tommy had the benefit of watching Sean and Megan experience the transition from middle to high school and felt confident heading into high school. The biggest piece of advice was to communicate in advance and stay ahead of the game.
“They have both given me a lot of tips to get work done and get on the teacher’s right side,” said Tommy, who finished as runner-up at the state wrestling tournament and also played football and baseball. “It’s been nice to have their help with previous experience and how to make it easier. “
Both brothers enjoyed math and chemistry this year with Sean liking chemistry with Steve Johnson and Tommy solving equations.
“I’ve always enjoyed math,” Tommy said. “It came to me somewhat easy. I always like to have a formula to find out the answer.”
Sean enjoyed the ease of Johnson’s method in being able to understand chemistry.
“It’s my favorite class. He makes it so much easier to learn,” Sean added. “It’s a cool class.”
