The holidays provide students, athletes and faculty an escape from their arduous work schedules to celebrate and spend time with loved ones.

But this isn’t 100 percent true for those involved in winter sports, which makes athletes feel obligated to practice and play games during the holiday season. Sports are being played during Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Martin Luther King Day.

Even though the majority of athletes do not celebrate these holidays, West Essex sports don’t always properly acknowledge any of these significant dates.

Should our sports be forced to show the same respect to these holidays like the rest of the school?

Coaches and student athletes had mixed reactions on playing athletics during the holidays and did not hesitate to share their views on the subject at matter.

Mr. Humes, head coach of varsity basketball, said his players had the right to decide whether or not they should play and go to practice during holidays that conflict with their winter break schedule.

“I’m fine with our players skipping a practice or even a game if the holiday is that important to them,” Humes said. “It is not ideal, but at the end of the day it’s their religion, and the basketball coaching system doesn’t have the right to deny them the right to celebrate these holy days.”

Junior Spencer Cowen, a varsity hockey player, celebrates Hanukkah and has to play during the weeklong holy tradition although he puts sports before religion.

“I made a commitment to hockey and my teammates rely on me to play in any upcoming game so we have the best chance to win,” he said.

Junior basketball player, Marco Gencarelli, doesn’t have to play during the holidays he celebrates, so he didn’t mind as much as some other athletes.

“Sports on holidays doesn’t conflict with my religious celebrations,” Gencarelli said. “However, I feel bad for the people who have to deal with this problem.”

Fencing coach, Ms. Jozefczyk, agreed with the idea of a more flexible schedule for athletes.

“There should be a exceptions for students who celebrate a religion on their respective holidays. I would never force my fencers to perform during their religious dates,” she said.

Other school districts such as Millburn, West Orange and Montclair athletics do not perform during these religious days, including Martin Luther King Day.

The Athletic Director, Mr Minnella clarified the process of athletes skipping after school activities due to religious conflicts.

Even if it hurts their chances of performing at maximum potential, West Essex sports should not pressure their athletes to play on these days. When there is no school, there should be no practice especially when it pertains to religious events.

“Any holiday is an excused absence without any ramifications for any practice or meet. The Athletic department tries to avoid scheduling games on any major holiday to make sure all athletes can participate. Athletes are absolutely allowed to miss or leave practice early to celebrate these holy days with friends and family without any obligations,” he said. Student athletes are not penalized for missing practice when it conflicts with religious obligations.

However there are still some athletes who don’t mind playing during a time meant for celebration and relaxation.