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Making the transition from high school sports to the college level is as easy or as difficult as a student's work ethic.

A high school student entering the college game faces many new challenges at the next level. Games are faster and players bigger, stronger and more talented than ones they are used to opposing in high school.

The biggest difference between the two, however, is the high intensity of competition. Players work doubly hard and someone fails to work as intensely as the competition, they will be left in the dust. At this level only the most relentless workers with determination will succeed above the rest. How a player adjusts is entirely within their own control.

Two Daytona State baseball players, for example, had very different experiences when it came to adjusting to the college level.

For John Caraleo, a pitcher on the Daytona State team, it's been a struggle.

"When I first got here, the speed and the talent of the other players was overwhelming for me," Caraleo said. "In high school it was so different. I could just overpower everyone with my fastball, but now I have to actually think when I'm out there, locate all my pitches, and be able to keep my composer throughout the whole game."

Playing college ball also taught Caraleo something about pressure. "There's pressure that's on you to perform because there's always a guy behind you looking to take your spot."

All of this seems like a lot to handle for a teenager coming out of high school, but college sports are demanding and what was once seen as suggestions become expectations.

"I will admit that I have not worked as hard as I could and I definitely could have prepared myself better this summer," Caraleo confessed. "Now that I see what it takes to succeed at this level, I plan to do everything necessary and then some."

Although the adjustment period for Caraleo was a tough one, he remained positive and by the end of the fall season felt he improved dramatically.

"I am very happy with how I finished the fall," Caraleo said. "I feel confident in the fact that I have adjusted to the game and look forward to the spring season."

For others, the adjustment process is easier.

"I think it has a lot to do with the level of competition you faced in high school, and of course the coaching you received," said Clines, a catcher on the Falcon team who made a smooth transition from high school to college. Clines' logic makes sense. Players who experience better coaching in high school with more difficult competition are more likely to be prepared for the college level.

"One thing about the college game is that the second you stop working hard is the time when everyone blows past you," Clines added.

Clines knows attitude means everything when it comes to success. "I have had the attitude that I will do whatever it takes to become an effective player in college, so I think that has made the transition easier for me."

No wonder Clines saw substantial playing time this fall and plans to fight for a starting spot this spring.

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