Approximately 35 to 45 million kids from age 6 to 18 participate in some form of athletics. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of the lives of children and families, including youth sport activity. Re-engaging in sports and physical activity with friends has both physical and psychological health benefits for children and adolescents. Student-athletes are adapting to the new circumstances which face their teams. Mask wearing is required for all team participants at all times during practices when social distancing cannot be maintained. Furthermore, a distance of at least six feet will be maintained among individuals at all times. As student-athletes, coaches, administrators are having their health proactively monitored, the ability for the return of sports at Blind Brook High School has occurred. Varsity Boys Football is one of the few sports occurring during the current spring season. The team had only two weeks of practice before their first game. Senior captain Thomas Giuliano says that the team worked very hard to put a whole new offense and defense in. Giuliano said, “we have gone through some complications with COVID-19 and players being out and even missing one of our games, so hopefully we will all be back on the field together soon!” This season there have been several new players stepping up to fill major roles. The captain was quarantined for their first game, but was able to cheer his teammates on virtually. Moving forward, the football team is very excited to get back on the field, get to work, and play their game. Varsity Cheerleading is back in session as well. Though it is also a high risk sport, practice has continued on in hopes of competitions in the future. The captains, senior Alexandra Minella and junior Sydney Brookman, look forward to the season they share with their teammates. In the past, Blind Brook Varsity Cheerleading has gone to Disney where they focus on the fundamentals that they are judged off of: difficulty, execution, crowd interaction, visual effects, and more. They continue to train and put their best foot forward throughout this unique season. Furthermore, the Blind Brook Girls Varsity Volleyball has been practicing and playing matches. The season has been going really well so far. Captain Julia Rogavic said “all of our players have contributed to our wins and I’m excited to see how the rest of the season plays out”. The team feels as though their competition, as expected, has been tough but they have been doing a great job with keeping up the intensity as well as playing 100% the entire game. Overall, Rogavic says they are all really grateful to be able to have a season and no matter the outcome, they are going to have a lot of fun! In all, the health and safety of the whole school community is a number one priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. Administration stresses that in order to achieve a safe and fulfilling athletic season, we must work collectively as a community to stay safe. Student-athletes have been grateful for the opportunity to have a season given these extenuating circumstances and look forward to getting back to normal!
The Return of Blind Brook High Risk Sports
