Jesse Peterson.

Forget burning midnight oil during finals week. The only all-nighter Jesse Peterson ever pulled happened years ago at a high school church lock-in. Today the 20-year-old college sophomore considers himself older and wiser. He consistently calls "lights out" before any of his five roommates.

And good thing. As an elementary education major at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, Peterson carries a 17-credit classload; as a point guard on the basketball team he practices two hours daily and plays an average of two to three games a week.

Consider his off-season routine. He lifts weights three or four times a week for an hour, runs two or three times a week, plays a couple of pick-up basketball games, and does calisthenics every day. The long season demands even more frequency and intensity with wind sprints, drills, and mental work.

Balancing rest with this kind of hectic schedule makes the most obvious example of Peterson's commitment to health and wellness. Especially since, like many ambitious college athletes, he walks the fine line between a training discipline and a tempting obsession. To strike the best balance in all aspects of his busy life, Peterson turns to Christ. For instance, he strives to give his spiritual growth more equal time with the academic, physical, and social pursuits. "If I work out for 40 minutes, then I want to spend 40 minutes with the Lord in Bible study or prayer," he says over a pregame plate of pasta. "That's not always realistic. But it is something to keep in mind and a great balance to work toward."

He says his faith also puts competition in better focus, as a Christian he struggles against the "winning is everything" mentality even before he sets foot on the court. Peterson seeks balance by considering the issue in a greater spiritual context.

"I always try to remember that the Lord wants me to do my best,"

Peterson reflects. That type of trust in his relationship with God removes some of the sting of losing a game. And it fosters more unity on the team. Instead of heaping blame on himself or others for a loss, he takes it in stride.

Peterson maintains a full and tightly structured schedule six days a week. Despite daily pressures, he exudes energy. He moves with a bounce in his step and speaks quickly.

Occasionally he flicks his wrist to glance at the time. But sometimes, he admits, he hustles so much that he doesn't even realize creeping imbalances in sports, school, and his social life. That's when he appreciates Christian friends holding him accountable.

"Sometimes my roommates have sat me down and asked if I will just hang out," he says with a smile. That's one thing he knows he shouldn't have to sleep on.

Pam Mellskog is a freelance writer living in St. Paul, Minnesota.