Athletes cope with the late start to winter sports

As the spread of the coronavirus continues, student athletes have suffered through the effects facing one setback after the next. When taking a look at the various winter sports, the upcoming seasons definitely look a lot different than in years past with the question still looming as to whether or not there will be a season at all.

For the boy’s basketball season this year, with the season scheduled to begin on Jan. 11 and run until mid March as of right now, emotions are running high. Due to what seems like endless rules and regulations this year, players will have to accept a cut of ten games. While this is extremely disappointing news for players, especially seniors, despite all the bad that has come their way they remain optimistic and continue to look at the bright side of things.  

“As a senior, I am psyched to be given an opportunity at all to play my fourth and final year. Our team has worked very hard preparing for this season,” senior Adam Cinque said. “We’re very hopeful that we can stay healthy and make this year one to remember,” he said. 

Girls basketball, as well, will begin in January, an unusual circumstance and one that has never been encountered before. Typically, winter sports occur throughout the month of December. While it is definitely a big change and a tough pill to swallow, most athletes say they’re making the best out of a bad situation. 

“It’s definitely upsetting that the season is shorter than what we’re used to. However, I’m happy we get the chance to play, I’m happy I can be with my team, and I’m excited to try to make this season as best as it can possibly be,” senior Katelyn Doud said. 

Not just basketball, but track, wrestling, and other sports have also been put on hold and players have had to deal with it. All teams are preparing to take extra precaution with the hope to not end earlier than they already have to. It is an unprecedented situation which means that everyone is simply taking everything day by day. 

“Winter track is always definitely hard because of the weather and not my main sport, but it’s still something I absolutely love and look forward to, so while the situation is not ideal at least it is something,” senior Ava Evangelista said. Sophomore Halle Aschenbach also feels similarly about her season: “It’s a sad time and definitely rough to hear this news but all we can do is have fun and work hard in the time we have,” she said.