By Allie Campbell
Calendar Editor
Most students struggle to balance academics and a school sport. Senior Sean Isaac manages to juggle both of these things while also competing in mixed martial arts events.
It wasn’t until just before sophomore year that Isaac started practicing Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA fighting. Isaac grew interest in the sport after hearing about it from a family friend who trained with Ultimate Fighting Championship legend Royce Gracie.
“My friend told me about it and then I went and watched it in a gym. From there I just thought it was cool, so I decided to try it. That’s all it took,” Isaac said.
The type of MMA fighting that Isaac competes in is a mix between boxing and several different forms of martial arts. In MMA fights, competitors are free to use any moves to defeat their opponent. Fighters typically compete in three five-minute rounds or until their opponent is down and can no longer compete.
Fighters must follow a strict training regimen and Isaac is no exception. During baseball’s off-season, Isaac trains three to four times a week for two hours with a personal trainer.
“In my workouts, I do different kinds of strength training and there is always constant cardio,” Isaac said. “During baseball season my coaches and parents want me to avoid injury and I don’t have the time to train as much for MMA,” Isaac said.
So far, Isaac has competed in four official fights and has won all of them. Before every competition, Isaac gets mentally prepared in the locker room by having his trainer tape his hands and give him a pep talk. Isaac also likes to observe his opponents’ strategies.
“Going to a competition isn’t just about my own fight. I like to watch other guys, learn from them and see about how they train,” Isaac said.
Isaac revealed that fighting has given him the mental stability and strength to help him excel in baseball. As the clean-up hitter and one of Costa’s starting pitchers, Isaac faces many high pressure situations, making his determination visible to other teammates.
“Sean is the number one pitcher in our starting rotation and is defensively a great first baseman and outfielder,” senior teammate Steven Kuckowicz said. “As a captain, Sean is quiet and doesn’t lead by yelling. Our teammates follow by example because we know whatever Sean’s doing has to be the right way.”
Isaac has excelled on Costa’s baseball team as a three-year varsity player, a two-year starter and is currently a team leader.
“I began playing baseball just like any other kid does, but it really stuck with me and I have never stopped playing since,” Isaac said.
For Isaac, the next step is competing at a collegiate level.
“I’ve been talking to some coaches, and there is nothing official yet, but I am really hoping to recieve a baseball scholarship,” Isaac said. “But if I am playing college ball I will have to focus and may not be able to fight.”
Isaac’s baseball coach, Cassidy Olson sees promise in Isaac’s collegiate career.
“Without a doubt Sean will be successful in college and he deserves to play on a Division I team,” Olson said.
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