On most afternoons at Penn High School, you can find Carson Bays either on the Football field or the Lacrosse field. The senior has built a reputation as one of the school’s most dedicated two-sport athletes, balancing practices, games, and schoolwork while competing at a high level in both football and lacrosse. Bays is committed to Walsh University to play lacrosse at the Division 2 level.
“It’s hard, especially in the summer, balancing lacrosse and pre-season football,” Bays said.
In football, Bays plays tight end and has made an impact this season. During the football season, he helped the Kingsmen achieve a successful season, winning Northern Indiana Conference and Sectional championships.
Teammates and coaches said Bays brings energy and leadership every time he steps onto the field.
“He doesn’t just care about his own success; he cares about the team,” Kingsmen Lacrosse player Hunter Hardy said of Bays.
When the season changes, Bays quickly shifts focus to Lacrosse. As an offensive midfielder, he has also stood out for his ability to share the ball. Bays had 18 assists last season. He’s already surpassed that in just eight games.
So far this season (eight games), Bays has 17 goals and 19 assists to rank second in the state with 36 points.
Balancing two sports can be challenging, but Bays says the experience helps build discipline and teamwork.
“Playing two sports helped me as an athlete both physically and athletically,” Bays said.
Looking ahead, Bays hopes to succeed at the Division 2 level. For now, though, the Kingsmen athlete is focused on continuing to give full effort in both sports.
Bays’ final goal for this lacrosse season is to make top 5 in state this year.
