Sports play a major role in the life of countless students at HHS. Whether it be practicing after school, bonding with the team, or reaching one’s athletic goals, the high school sports experience is one that never leaves you. Unfortunately for spring athletes nationwide, their seasons are being cut short– if they happen at all. With the recent school closures also came the indefinite postponement of school sports, a devastating blow for athletes who have trained for months in preparation for the season. In yet another instance of the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on everyday life, student athletes have been learning to adapt to a new normal– one that may not involve sports for quite some time.

Take sophomore Asher Dutta, for example, one of over a hundred students whose spring track season is being threatened. Dutta said his favorite aspect of running is getting to spend time with his friends and feeling that he is contributing to the team’s overall success. He explained that he has been going for runs and bike rides on his own to stay in shape assuming the season gets underway soon; however, he said, running by himself just isn’t the same. Sport cancellations could also fly in the face of Dutta’s personal goals. “I want to improve my times in the 1600 and 800,” he said when asked about the possibility of a spring without sports. “It is fun trying to beat my personal records…and if sports were to be cancelled altogether, that wouldn’t happen.”

These circumstances have taken an even heavier toll on the senior athletes, many of whom looked forward to spending a final season with their teammates and rounding out their high school careers on a high note. Senior lacrosse player Kya Risher attested to this disappointment.

“When I found out that my lacrosse season was being suspended, I honestly cried,” Risher ssid. “It is my senior year and it’s supposed to be the best one!”

However, like many other athletes, Risher is making the most of the sudden increase in free time by going for a daily run, doing footwork drills and weightlifting. Even the lack of professional sports has been difficult, Risher said, as watching sports has long been how her family spends time together.

Overall, many student athletes are continuing most of their time, continue training, and hope that the season, although already shortened, will come soon. These unprecedented circumstances have proved that the sports we take for granted play a major role in everyone’s lives, most of all the athletes themselves. As Risher put it, “If I don’t get my season… I will never feel like I really finished my career at HHS.”