Being an athlete is not a lifestyle for the weak. High school seniors all around the world have put their talents both in the classroom and on the field on full display to hopefully get the chance to pursue their dreams as a collegiate athlete. It was not an easy road but what a lot will realize is that it was the easiest road thus far, for the life they would soon encounter would truly test their mental and physical strength not only as an athlete but as a Scholar-Athlete. Amongst those high school seniors was Wesleyan’s own, Josh Townsend. 

Townsend is a freshman from Orlando, Florida and if you didn’t already know he’s a force to be reckoned with on Wesleyan’s campus! Earning the position as starting Corner on the Wesleyan Football Team is just the beginning of great accomplishments for this young man. Football became an important part of Townsend’s life at the young age of 7 due to a heavy influence from his father. It is safe to say that he has been at ever since the start and is continuing to grow. But what is most impressive about Townsend is his awareness of how important it is to be more than just an athlete. “Being an athletic scholar has very big shoes to fill…it’s challenging because both are very important to me and I want to excel in both areas so it requires commitment and great time management on both parts.” Spoken like a true scholar, Townsend is currently majoring in nursing but plans to change to athletic training to pursue a profession in physical therapy. 

“Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits!”

–Josh Townsend 

Life as a freshman at West Virginia Wesleyan College is far from the usual especially amid COVID-19. Townsend like many other students on this campus has been faced with his fair share of adversity both on and off the field. From spending his first semester here 100% virtual to the passing of a childhood friend. These trials are what have shaped Townsend into the person we see today. He looks at adversity as simply a challenge meant to see how strong you’ll bounce back and that for each action there’s an equal opportunity or opposite reaction. Does he have it all figured out? No, but with a mindset of that caliber Townsend could move mountains. This tough, relentless attitude for success comes from the motivation of his family. Townsend proudly places the gratitude in the hands of his mother and father. “My mom and dad had always expressed to me that hard work always pays off no matter the situation, and I can say they were truly right, working hard gave me the opportunity and blessing to continue my athletic and educational career at an outstanding school”, states Townsend. With a support system like this, one is bound to do exceptional things. 

Before you know it, Josh Townsend will be a name echoed throughout the campus and his face will be a vision of excellence. The young kid from Orlando, Florida will forever hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the Wesleyan community. His journey may be in its early stages but in due time, will be a model for what to do when entering college. With a heavy emphasis on time management, his journey will exemplify how two properly be a scholar-athlete that manages the three facist essential to college success: Academics, Athletics, and Social Life.