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By Rachel Sobel, News Editor
Image courtesy of the North Field Hockey Team
Thirty seconds left on the clock, sweat dripping down your cheeks, heart pounding as your legs carry you as fast as they can; the incredible thrill of high school sports. Practices at six in the morning, never-ending sprints, and long bus rides home from games two hours away... who knew that we would take these things for granted? This summer, it was uncertain as to whether or not fall sports would be played. Fortunately, boys and girls soccer, tennis, field hockey, and cross country were all able to enjoy a 2020 fall season. Sadly, football, volleyball, cheer, and kickline were not able to happen. While there has been some talk about pushing these sports to the winter/spring season, no final decisions have been made.
Sports were played in a brand new fashion this year. Masks, staying socially distanced, disinfecting equipment, and game cancellations due to COVID exposure were all new challenges that athletes and coaches alike had to face. Not a single person would have expected sports to look like this, but for the most part, athletes that did have a season were grateful they got to play at all.
Image courtesy of the North Field Hockey Team
In addition to the hardships faced by many athletes, there was also a great deal of disappointment for parents and friends who hoped to watch the games. This year, no spectators were allowed for any of the home games until the last two weeks of the season, and only two people per player were allowed in. A lack of people filling up the rows of bleachers was greatly missed by many athletes, who longed for the sound of proud supporters echoing across the field. Some parents were very disappointed as well, having had high hopes to see their seniors crossing a final finish line or burying a game-winning goal. However, some of the games were streamed, which helped spectators watch safely from their homes. It did not compare to the atmosphere of a game, but it was a good alternative option during the pandemic. We surveyed some of the athletes and coaches who participated in this fall season to find out their opinion on how the season went.
79.1% of athletes responded that they felt safe while playing their sport, while 20.9% said they did not feel safe.
55.8 % said that Covid did not make their season unenjoyable. 44.2% of students said that Covid did make their season unenjoyable.
44.2% voted no difference, 41.9% voted less enjoyable, and 14% voted more enjoyable.
Words from our athletes and coaches:
“It was definitely hard in the beginning to adjust to wearing a mask while playing and without motivation from spectators. After playing more and more it began to feel like the new norm and playing with the nicest, most amazing girls made it all worthwhile.”
-Anna Kavountzis, Freshman, Girls Soccer
“It wound up being a really great season. Even with the restrictions, I was just really happy to play and we had a really great team.”
- Jenna Hill, Sophomore, Field Hockey
“The season was diverse with many obstacles.”
- Eduardo Godinez, Junior, Boys Soccer
“We were very lucky to have a chance to play at all.”
-Kaitlyn McGovern, Junior, Field Hockey
“As much as I enjoyed this season, I don’t think the risks were worth it”
-Chloe Swituszak, Junior, Girls Soccer
“This season was definitely different than we were expecting, but we were still able to bond with each other and have a great time playing.”
- Caia Sullivan, Senior, Field Hockey
“This season was obviously different but we were all safe and were able to have a fun and enjoyable season, but of course with safety precautions”
- Zainab Naquwi, Sophomore, Tennis
“Even though this season was different, we still found a way to get out of the house for a few hours a day just to feel like things were normal again even if they weren’t. For me personally it was a way that I could get up and out and clear my head of all the junior year stress.”
-Sinead Downes, Junior, Field Hockey
"Not being in school, but going to practice everyday, was something that motivated the team - they played every game like it was their last. Although different, I think the season went very well - I was very sad when the season ended because this team was so special. They proved that they are truly dedicated and I am so proud of all of the hard work they put into the season. I enjoyed watching them support one another throughout the unprecedented season."
-Ms. Nelson, Field Hockey Coach
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