He works as a soccer referee, occasionally teaches piano lessons, participates in academic challenge, and still finds time to excel in the classroom, but that's not all. About the only thing this week's Student Athlete of the week does NOT do is sleep.
Salem senior Nick Costa finds very little down-time throughout his week.
"I'm just one of those people that keeps running and keeps running and never needs a break," says Costa.
Literally or figuratively, both apply. He spends part of his day playing mid-fielder for the soccer team. A four year letter winner, Costa isn't shy about speaking up.
"It's not even being a leader. It's just being vocal. With soccer it's not like we have set plays. We do, but most of the time it's innovative, and you're moving on the fly."
And when most of his soccer teammates finish up with practice, Costa is beginning another. He is also a member of the cross country team, running daily, sometimes up to ten miles. Costa also is a four-year letter winner in track. He helped the Quaker's 4x800 relay team to a regional appearance.
"All I have to do is keep in mind what I'm trying to do. Every day matters. To be a better runner you have to run every day. It's just how it is."
And to be a better student, you have to study. Costa knows that. He has a 4.2 grade point average and is in line to be class valedictorian.
"Working hard applies to everything. It applies to soccer. It applies to cross country. It applies to school. If you work as hard as you can and you put all the effort into it you can, you will see results."
Costa's extracurricular activities are large in number, too. He is co-president of National Honor Society. He is a member of Academic Challenge, German Club, Interact Club, Physics Club, Pep Club, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes just to name a few. He also spends time playing piano at local nursing homes and refereeing youth soccer games.
Costa plans to attend Mount Union or Denison focusing his studies on math and computer science.
