Credit to Taylor Griffin

Carson Howard and Morgan Huff posing during a game against Timberland on Sept. 27.

A singular sports season for many high schoolers can be the most grueling experience they have in their four years on campus. From long practices every day, to a packed schedule and school work piling up, being an athlete on a team is a tough job. Senior Mo Huff and junior Carson Howard wanted a little bit more of a challenge.

“[Playing football] wasn’t a very difficult decision,” Huff said. “If I had time to do it, I knew it would be a fun experience and something new.”

In addition to playing multiple sports at the same time, Huff is playing them in two entirely different places. Huff is the punter for the FHN football team and plays soccer for the MLS Next affiliate Lou Fusz Athletic team. Playing for both teams can provide an interesting challenge when trying to be an active member of each team, travel being a main one. Lou Fusz Athletic Complex is in Maryland Heights, adding a 15-minute drive to Huff’s schedule.

“I definitely have a really busy schedule,” Huff said. “As for football, I am kind of in and out of there as best as I can be and I head straight to soccer right after.”

Despite Huff going through a unique situation, he is certainly not alone. Howard, a junior at FHN, is taking on a similar challenge. He’s the kicker on the football team along with being the goalkeeper for North’s varsity soccer team. Along with trying to balance their busy schedules, they are also competing at the same position on the football team. While this could cause some strain between teammates, it doesn’t for Huff and Howard who have known each other for a while.

“We are definitely really close,” Howard said. “We have grown up together and we played baseball together but we both know we have a job to do. There’s always love and it’s tough when two people are competing at the same position.”

Along with the mental toughness needed to be a multi-sport athlete, the physical strain on the body is equally significant and should not be underestimated.

“My legs definitely feel heavier some days than others,” Howard said. “My soreness definitely varies but I definitely always prioritize stretching and staying hydrated to avoid injury as best as I can.”

Despite the wear and tear that Howard puts on his body for both teams, the goalie’s play on the field has always added another layer to setting him apart from the rest. In 861 minutes between the sticks last season, Howard recorded eight wins, four of which being shutouts. This came in a season where Howard spent the majority of time in net over two senior goalies behind him, forcing him to step into a leadership role early in his varsity career.

“Carson is a really great player,” varsity soccer assistant coach Matt Havermale said. “Yeah, he has to miss practice at times, but it’s great that we are able to help the football team and he has the opportunity to play for both teams.”