Feb. 24, 2021
By Justin Mayewski
Staff Writer
In the midst of a pandemic, New Jersey found a way to continue high school winter sports while staying safe. Many schools have already opted out of this choice following Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement that winter sports will take place, but LHS has chosen to participate in the winter scholastic sports this season. However, a lot of new safety protocols are being implemented to keep Covid-19 cases as low as possible.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association is the organization that oversees all high school sports in the state. They have been very clear the dates of when sports will begin as well as the required safety protocols. They are strongly enforcing the 3 W’s to the state to reduce the risk of Covid-19 cases. They are: wear your masks, watch your distance and wash your hands. Occupancy of indoor and outdoor events will be limited to only athletes, coaches and referees.
Math teacher and indoor track coach Mr. Carucci said having a winter season will create a better atmosphere of normality.
“Having indoor track will definitely provide a sense of normalcy because it is another activity that we have on a yearly basis regardless of COVID,” Carucci said.
Being a teacher and a coach, safety is at the top of Carucci’s mind for his students, athletes and himself.
“Not having spectators will make the game feel different. The energy created in the gym with all the supporters cheering is an exceptional feeling.”
“At the end of the day, any time you’re in a group, it is a potential risk, regardless of the sport. But as long as athletes follow the safety guidelines set forth, it should help minimize any potential risks,” Carucci said.
Indoor track is currently on the same schedule as swimming for the start and end dates. Practice were allowed to begin on Feb 1. Competitions started on Feb 16 and will finish by March 6.
Sophomore basketball player Alexa Augustyniak said she is eager to get back on the court.
“Winter sports are exciting because I get to play the game I love and see my teammates,” Augustyniak said.
While Augustyniak’s love for the game is what sparks her drive, the fans are always a great bonus to add to the excitement.
“Not having spectators will make the game feel different. The energy created in the gym with all the supporters cheering is an exceptional feeling,” Augustyniak said.
Boys and girls basketball has already gone to work at LHS. Practices were permitted to start on Jan. 11. Competitions are taking place from Jan. 26 through March 6. The bowling team follows this same schedule.
Sophomore basketball player Isaiah Alverado said he feels the basketball team is doing a great job at following proper Covid-19 guidelines.
“I’m not concerned about getting Covid. Our team follows the rules very well, so I have no concerns,” Alverado said.
Because of how well the team is attentive to the safety protocols, Alverado said he is also confident that it will be a successful year with very few interruptions from COVID-19.
“I think a few [games] might get delayed, but overall I think we’ll have a successful season and get a lot of time to play,” Alverado said.
The NJSIAA has implemented these dates for each sport in hopes to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Hockey teams have been practicing outside and virtually since Dec 14. Their games were able to begin on Jan. 15 and will conclude on March 6.
Wrestling, girls volleyball and gymnastics are the three fall sports that did not have a season. Because of this, the NJSIAA has decided to move the sports back. Practices are set to begin on March 1. Competitions will begin March 16 and end on April 24.
There will be no state tournaments for basketball, fencing, bowling, swimming and indoor track. However, the NJSIAA is still consulting on whether tournaments will be allowed for wrestling, gymnastics and girls volleyball.
Postseasons as of now are still on. Under the NJSIAA’s new rules and regulations, all sports will be limited to just three matches per week and will be held without spectators.
