Nov. 23, 2020
By Jake McCann
Staff Writer
This fall sports season has been different than any other in LHS history. Due to Covid-19, athletes must keep six feet apart unless they are practicing or competing, and there is a mandated health form that must be filled out before each practice. Additionally, there are temperature checks at all events where players get together, and athletes are expected to wear masks at all times except when they are participating in physical activities related to their sport.
Senior Karam Daoud, who is on the football team, said the requirement that athletes stay six feet apart has changed the team’s traditions off the field.
“In past years, on days before games, we would have dinners in the cafeteria and eat regularly, but with Covid guidelines, we now have socially distant outdoor dinners,” Daoud said. “Two people sit per table at opposite ends, masks are always on unless eating and we have socially distant lines when getting food.”
Daoud said it is strange to think about sports prior to Covid-19 because the current protocols have become the new normal.
“Last season was definitely a way different atmosphere than this season. These days, we have to get screened before entering school grounds and quickly go into our locker room to grab our gear and go outside,” Daoud said.
“Last season was a lot of fun, but this season is just as exciting because we’re still playing the same game, and we’re still there for the same reasons. It’s just tricker with the virus, and we have to be very careful.”
Boys soccer Coach Jelcic, who also advises the hockey team, said he has gotten used to the restrictions.
“I thought it was a bit much at first, but I have learned to accept it and move on,” Jelcic said.
Despite the challenges of coaching during the pandemic, his team has been able to achieve success. After winning an away game on Nov. 11 against Wallington High School, the boys soccer team became the league champions. This is the first time since 1999 that the team earned this honor.
“[This season has] been different, strange for sure,” Jelcic said. “‘Different’ is the word I like to use, but if [the restrictions] keep everyone safe, we are all for it.”
Senior girls soccer player Jessa Dell’Aquila said the restrictions her team is facing due to Covid-19 are appropriate.
“I don’t think they are excessive at all because they are there to keep us all safe and to prevent the season from ending earlier than it should,” Dell’Aquila said. “I think the whole team has had to struggle with the thought of losing our season and ultimately not being able to play our last season for the seniors on the team.”
Dell’Aquila said the players have made the most of the season given the circumstances. On Nov. 13, the team beat Secaucus High School 3-0 at an away game to clinch the league title. 2020 marks the seventh consecutive year the team earned this honor.
“Last season was a lot of fun, but this season is just as exciting because we’re still playing the same game, and we’re still there for the same reasons. It’s just tricker with the virus, and we have to be very careful,” Dell’Aquila said.
She said the team has been able to bond by practicing together every day and participating in social activities like pumpkin painting.
“Even though it’s been hard with all the precautions we have to take because of the virus, the team has still found a way to build and form a connection,” said Dell’Aquila.
