Missing Recruiting Season and Masks, NRHS Athletes Deal with COVID-19 Restrictions.
By Liam McCarthy ('22)
It is no secret that the Coronavirus pandemic has completely flipped our worlds upside down. Who would have thought that 2020 would be a year full of wearing masks, quarantining, and social distancing?
However, as we approach the new year, COVID-19 guidelines are changing and life is somewhat returning to “normal.” Last spring, online school was a challenge to many students in NRHS because they were not able to rely on in-person teaching. Many students are grateful that we are able to return to school this year, even if we have to operate on a difficult schedule.
The 2020-2021 school year will definitely be the most interesting school year we have yet to experience. As we have already seen this year, things in our high school have changed drastically. It’ll never feel normal walking into a class and seeing only a few other students. Not being able to talk with peers during class and socialize at lunch helps make school much more disappointing.
Not only are things changing within the school, but after-school activities have also changed as a result of the pandemic. Many athletes have had to deal with crucial changes in regards to their seasons. Whether it be football players having to postpone their season, lacrosse players having to cancel their season completely, or soccer players needing to adapt to an entirely new way of playing, all athletes have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.
Last spring, all lacrosse, baseball, softball, track, and golf athletes had their seasons unexpectedly cut short. While this fall, all athletes, besides football players, are allowed to play their respective sports with their teams.
The cancellation of the 2020 spring sports season meant losing senior night and the chance to be scouted by colleges. “I was looking forward to playing my friends who live across the river, and who are on my travel team. We tried to stay positive and optimistic that we would have a season, but once we learned we wouldn’t, we tried to give our seniors the closest thing to a senior night by giving them a senior drive-by,” said varsity softball player Kristen Luzon (‘22).
Agne Adomauskaite (‘22), varsity winter and spring track athlete was looking forward to competing in the spring season. “The cancellation was a huge letdown,” said Agne, “However, it showed me the importance of personal training, which shaped me as a person and athlete.”
“Not only was it really hard for me to lose a season because I love the game,” said varsity lacrosse player Kevin Morina (‘22), “but I also missed a recruiting season. It was hard for my teammates and I to develop as a team and get to the next level. I was close with a lot of the seniors who, some, unfortunately lost their last season of highschool lacrosse, while others lost their last season ever.” Many athletes were put at a disadvantage and lost an entire season to grow and develop.
Regardless of the hardships faced as a result of new restrictions, athletes are still having fun. “Many of us athletes lost our spring season last year, so even though there are many restrictions this year, we are all just glad to be playing again,” said varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse athlete Megan Macmillan (‘22).
NR Varsity Tennis made cuts this year to accommodate for the limited number of players on the court.
Footage courtesy of The Journal News
“Even though wearing masks is difficult, it is still fun being able to play with my teammates,” said varsity field hockey player Julia Gill (‘22). Varsity field hockey player Madison Figueroa (‘22) and varsity soccer player Jillian Fullick (‘23) are forced to face the challenges of playing with masks, which make it harder for them to catch their breath.
Football athletes like Nick Marchionno (‘22) are disappointed that their season is postponed, but they understand the importance of protecting and ensuring the safety of the players.
Going forward, fall athletes are understanding of the circumstances they are under and are continuing to persevere and enjoy their seasons. All of the athletes in our school are just eager to get back out on the field and play their sports again!