Many Gunn athletes strive to make the leap from high school to college level athletics, but the commitment is greater than one may think. Class of 2005 Gunn alumnus Adam Juratovac made the switch from Titan football to the University of Idaho Vandals team after playing on varsity for three years. Despite his success in high school, Juratovac is the first to say that the switch was not easy.

Gunn provides a solid foundation for any sport, but college is a completely different playing field. “College athletics is almost a full time job,” Athletic Director and football coach Matt McGinn said, “You must love the game if you want to play in college. It's far too difficult to go to school full-time and put nearly ten hours a day of practice, if you donʼt absolutely love it.” Even so, it takes more than a love of the game to be successful. Instead, it is the amount of work one is willing to put into it.

“In Idaho, everyone thinks they are the best so every play is a battle,” Juratovac said. “Every practice is a game where you can move up or down the depth chart.” This provides a greater opportunity to improve oneʼs skills and get immediate rewards.

Those athletes that are considering playing in college need to know that they will be playing with the best players from all over the country in their respective sports. Gunn can provide the fundamentals necessary to play at the next level but it is ultimately how much effort an individual puts in. “The only advice I have is to play your [butt] off and never stop competing,” Juratovac said. “That is the one single thing coaches look for in potential players—is if they are competitors.”

Juratovac is currently playing second string on the offensive line, which will give him the chance to play this year. Playing as a freshmen in college at the Division I level is not common. If playing Division I is not an option, there are also Divisions II, III and club sports to participate in. “These are usually kids who are very good high school players and they have the desire to continue playing,” McGinn said. “I definitely feel Gunn provides its athletes with a good base for college.” As Adam continues to further his football career as many have before him, his experiences at Gunn will continue to aid him in both life and athletics.