While the Coronavirus pandemic has certainly led to a change-of-pace to everyone’s normal routines, it has also meant a pause (at the very least) to all sports, from the professional to the high school level. Specifically at Heritage and other high schools, the hold on the spring season has resulted in the disappointment of athletes across each grade level, who all seemed to believe they were just finding their groove.
“After such a great start [to the season], our team was really coming together great,” junior lacrosse athlete Ethan Heim said. “As a great amount of our team is made up of juniors and seniors, this was meant to be our strongest year. With that being said, the abrupt ending to our season has been rough for everyone, but especially our seniors. I know that they were looking forward to playing through the end of their final season.”
The sudden break in the action has taken a toll on all athletes, but even more so for the seniors who may have played their final high school sports game without knowing it.
Junior lacrosse athlete Ethan Heim keeps active during his time away from the game. “Though it is almost certain our season is over, many of us have continued to work to stay in game shape by working out in any way we can in case of a miracle and the saving of our season,” Heim said.
“I was honestly heartbroken to hear the news of our season being cut short,” senior varsity girls lacrosse athlete Courtney Medwin said. “Not only is it tough for the seniors who won’t enjoy their last season, but also for the underclassmen who worked really hard to help the team have a great season so far. It was a really tough day when they announced the news for the whole team.”
It isn’t just the singular season that seniors would be losing should the season not resume. COVID-19 has possibly also stripped the seniors of receiving recognition for their high school careers in the form of senior night, causing some teams to search for creative alternatives.
“Obviously everyone was bummed out we couldn’t finish the season, especially the other seniors and I,” senior boys volleyball player Reed Tillinghast said. “Coach is very understanding and is always sending us emails with workouts in the hopes that our season can continue, and she said she would guarantee there would be some sort of senior night (even if it is virtual), so there are at least some positives.”
In addition to those playing on the field, coaches from each sport were also disheartened by the news and were upset to see their promising seasons quickly disappear.
“[The team] seems to be doing ok,” assistant softball coach Wayne Leoff said. “[It’s] a big adjustment for everyone. We are disappointed on the season being placed on hold; we had felt we had just turned the corner and really started performing well as a team.”
As of now, the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) has yet to fully put an end to the high school spring season. In their latest statement from March 31, the FHSAA noted the possibility of extending the season through June 30, if at all possible, and has been working on a “plan regarding additional eligibility for students who have not been able to participate in spring sports.” With this information, teams have not lost all hope to salvage the remains of the season, and while it is slim, it is something that most teams have been keeping in mind during their time away.
Senior girls soccer athlete Gabrielle Scarlett works on her craft during quarantine. Though the soccer team plays in the winter and was able to finish out their season, Scarlett still tries to find time to stay active. (Video submitted by Gabrielle Scarlett)
“[The team] has a WhatsApp group chat that we use to communicate so they speak to each other, and coaches chime in sometimes,” head coach of the Track and Field team, Damian Sutton, said. “All the coaches have been keeping in contact with them and letting them know to try and do as much as possible (within reason of our situation) to at least stay in some type of shape just in case we do get to finish out the season.”
This mindset has also seemed to stay consistent not just among coaches, but athletes as well, many of whom have been focusing on staying ready with their recently acquired spare time.
“Although tennis courts are closed, I have been training in different ways like practicing on the street with a makeshift court as well as more strategic practice,” junior tennis player Elliot Starkman said. “Quarantine puts a stop on the season, but it also gives us a chance to train in different ways than before.”
Heritage, too, has recently begun promoting movement at home; not just among students, but teachers and staff members as well. Anyone who wishes to partake in this cost-free home treatment option, led by athletic trainer Frank Millan, can schedule an appointment using the link in the Athletic Trainer Introduction and Appointment Instructions PowerPoint emailed out.
“Whether it be from a pre-existing condition, changing your daily routine, or being unaccustomed to sitting in front of a computer all day, our bodies are just not used to this way of life,” the school said, addressing the Heritage community via email Tuesday, April 14. “With many medical facilities being closed during this time and with orders to stay home, we thought you could use another resource.”
The impact of the coronavirus in the sports world has led to an undesirable outcome for both coaches and athletes alike throughout all levels of play. With the future of the spring season still in question, athletes, like everyone else, seem to only have one option during everyone’s new-normal: wait and see what’s to come.
“As much as I miss it, what’s going on in the world right now is way worse than my season ending,” senior Enrique Bradfield, center fielder for the varsity baseball team, said. “I have my health and everyone around me is healthy as well, so there’s nothing to cope with. I’m still working out and practicing, so it’s not like I’m completely away from the game. During this time, it allows you to explore hobbies and interests that you have. I’ve been playing video games, researching about cars, and hanging out with family. It’s also a great time to really sit back, relax, tap into your thoughts and find a great balance for everything in your life.”
