Sports after COVID-19
Athletes hope for more but accept what might have been
Senior Chandler Cole prepares to swing against Fort Bend Clements. The game may have been one of Cole’s last as a Ranger.
March 16, 2020
School closures and the suspension of UIL sanctioned activities because of COVID-19 ended the season and high school careers for athletes. For those hoping to showcase their talents and possibly secure spots on collegiate teams, the suspension of spring sports resulted in missed opportunities.
On March 13, Comal superintendent Andrew Kim announced schools would be closed March 16-20 along with other school districts in the region. In addition, all academic, athletic, and fine arts extracurricular activities were be canceled through March 22. That same day, University Interscholastic League announced all UIL sanctioned contests would be suspended. UIL then extended the suspension to include all rehearsals, practices and workouts until March 29.
According to senior shortstop Lauren Gonzalez, it will be up to the individual to continue to improve on their own. That seems to be the mindset of all the other sports organizations around the school.
“With or without competing, I know that hard work will get me where I need to go,” senior pole vaulter, Avianna Trinidad said.
Junior Amalie Mills, a cross country/track runner, said she would spend the extra time staying fit in hopes of returning to competition. From the girls’ soccer team, junior outside defender Clara Connor agreed.
“It now becomes each of our player’s responsibility to stay healthy and stay in shape in hopes that we can go to playoffs,” Connor said. “Overall, the coronavirus that really threatened playoffs and now the rest of our season has become uncertain but we are still trying to prepare and stay connected as a team the best we can.”
For others, accepting the reality comes with disappointment.
“Being a high schooler, of course I’m glad to have more rest time, but I’m pretty bummed that my junior track season is most likely done,” junior track runner Joe Weeks said. “Track meets are officially canceled until the end of the month, but seeing that we will most likely be doing on-line school, I’m prepared to say good-bye to my season. It’s a bummer, but we gotta do what we gotta do to stop the pandemic. Plus, this virus is giving me more time to train for my senior cross country season.”