Initiating a new school year during this worldwide pandemic has the Fall athletes wondering and waiting for answers. Pre-season and training took a turn and started late with many new rules; Masks, temperature checks, health surveys, and social distancing. The season games have been pushed off until October 1st, making the following seasons delayed as well. With all of these new rules and precautions athletes question if their games and practices will ever be normal again.
Questions for Coach Savacool, Girls Soccer Coach:
How has COVID-19 affected the way you coach and your motivation towards the season?
During the summer we had to divide our team up into small individual groups and keep them separate for the entirety of the summer sessions. Summer sessions also had to be non contact. It was a challenge keeping students focused during this time as drilling technical and fitness workouts exclusively every practice can become repetitive and boring. Now that we can begin real practices again I am looking forward to building a style for the team and preparing for our first game.
What changes did you have to make to your usual coaching routine?
We were unable to run any contact drills so we had to run fitness and technical sessions exclusively. Other things stayed the same. I still enjoyed getting to the fields super early and seeing everyone over the summer.
How have you been able to train without putting any of your athletes at risk?
I was happy when they announced the plans for the season to go ahead as I know many high schools in other states and many colleges have cancelled their seasons. Coaching the soccer team is how I have formed the best relationships with students in the past and to lose that would have been very disappointing. Hopefully the current guidelines set in place will be enough to keep us safe throughout the season and we are able to play all the games and enjoy ourselves.
Questions for Senior Boys Soccer Player
How has the Corona Virus affected your practices and preseason?
The Corona Virus has had an impact on our every day sessions forcing the coaches to think out of the box in order to make our time on the field worthwhile.
How has practice been productive and significant while social distancing?
Practices have been altered to follow the very strict rules enforced by the NJSIAA which require many phases in order to lessen the risk of illness. But while on the field we mostly work on foot skills and running because we are not able to play contact.
What impact does the Corona Virus have on your motivation for the upcoming season?
Corona has definitely lowered our motivation as a team and has set us back mentally and physically compared to past years. But we are in this together and need to overcome these obstacles in order to have a safe and successful season.