Not everything is guaranteed, and 2020 has been the year that has proven that with these unprecedented moments. As Covid-19 cases start to surge more and more in the state of California, the CIF Athletic Organization has a huge task on its hands. CIF must make the decision on whether to return athletics to normal in-person practices and games with certain regulations or shut down the high school athletic programs for the rest of the school year.

The return of in-person athletic practices was meant to begin December 14, but as cases started to rise drastically, the date has been further postponed with California imposing a state emergency brake. In a statement regarding the return date of athletics for the 2020-2021 school year, CIF stated on their website, "Due to the continued surge in COVID-19 infections, the California Department of Public Health has postponed the issuance of its updated youth sports guidance. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) does not expect the CDPH will issue any guidance allowing for schools to return to full practice and competition until after January 1, 2021, at the earliest. Thus, all full practice and competition start dates are officially on hold."

Now high school players and coaches are having to make the proper adjustments of living a life without sports. This affects Uni Athletics because it leaves many of our athletes in a state of limbo and sadness as the thing that they love to do most is gone.

Jonathan Gomez, a senior part of Uni's baseball team, in regards to his sport season and awaiting decision of returning for in-person practices said, "I feel optimistic because this would be my last season, so I want to have a season. However, I would understand the need to cancel it." Like Jonathan, there are many more student athletes awaiting their day out in the game field, especially seniors as it is their last year.

Not only are sports meant for fun and competitions, but also to relieve our minds. It is scientifically proven that playing sports helps alleviate different strands of mental stress and anxiety, giving a sense of relief to all student athletes. In the article, “The Impact Of Exercise On Your Mental Health” from www.MentalHelp.net, it states, “When you exercise, your body releases Endorphins, (a chemical in your brain associated with positive mood). This can improve sleep, physical pain and discomfort.” This shows how much athletes and people's lives in general, are affected by the lack of exercise during this pandemic. It robs them of being able to experience the joy they have for playing the game and blocks their endorphin levels.

Jade Mendez, a multi-sport senior athlete, relates to the pandemic having taken away some advantages of playing and being among teammates. Jade is a football, soccer, lacrosse, and track & field athlete who, despite the circumstances the pandemic has set in place, still remains engaged in exercise at home. "Being on a team kept me motivated" said Jade, "it has helped a lot of us student athletes to relieve stress, anger, and anxiety. I know many of our Uni athletes haven't been training like they would on campus these past ten months and it's not the same fun environment without your teammates or coaches."

Although returning to sports and competitions seems unlikely to come anytime soon, student athletes can remain hopeful and be on the lookout for updates on Schoology and the CIF webpage.