Spring Sets Seasons Into Motion
Athletes are returning to the field, pool, and court after Season 1 and 2 of sports have began.
By Sydney Teves
Athletes are returning to the field, pool, and court after Season 1 and 2 of sports have began.
By Sydney Teves
After about a year since students have been at school, sports are slowly coming back and are starting to practice again. Broken into two seasons, season one started on Feb. 22 and season two began on March 22 having started conditioning a few weeks prior.
Despite how crazy this year has been, many students are glad to be able to play their school sport again even if the season is shorter than usual. Water polo player, Jeila Bacon, 12, is appreciative of the opportunity to play this year even if there’s a chance it could be cut short. She is also grateful for her coaches and all they’re doing to help them succeed this year.
“This year especially has taught me to make the most of every moment so I’m excited to have that connection with my friends and teammates again while still being as safe as possible,” said Bacon. “For being a high-contact sport, our coaches do a very good job at keeping us as socially distanced as possible, both in and out of the pool when conditioning.”
Athletic director Joe Berticevich has been working with the league and guidelines to allow sports to begin playing again, and has also been ensuring that athletes can safely practice with new processes and protocols.
“It’s been almost a year so it’s exciting, but there are a lot of protocols in place so it’s uneasy but it’s well worth it. The process of getting students cleared is a bit different, normally the students would give me the hard copy of their physical then I give them the ticket to play but we can’t do that this year, it’s definitely working out though,” Berticevich said. “We’re making sure they’re following the state guidelines and the San Jose Unified guidelines and making sure they’re following protocols, wearing their masks, doing the initial symptoms check when they start practice.”
While athletes are thrilled to be playing again, there are added difficulties with the precautions for COVID-19. Head girls water polo coach Steve Kurihara is in the process of figuring out how to best keep the team safe while also building their strength back.
“I actually have some mixed feelings about coaching this season given the current circumstances. On one hand, I am really excited to get back to the pool, to see the team face to face, and finally get back even a little sense of return to normalcy. But on the other hand, there is a lot of focus on how to make sure we return in a safe manner which adds a new dynamic to coaching,” said Kurihara.
Despite this year’s struggle in starting up sports, students are trying to stay as positive as possible and continue to work hard. Football player Argel Arcangel 11, is happy to be back on the field and practicing with his teammates.
“I'm very glad that California sports are back because, personally, it feels like a part of me is back. So practicing at school again has brought back a good part in my life and just being able to be part of a good community, with good coaches, and being part of an amazing team that focuses on brotherhood feels more than good to be back.” said Arcangel. “Despite the shortened season, I still want to dominate in varsity. I want to prove to the coaches and to everyone that I can start and I am a reliable player.”
Despite how crazy this year has been, many students are glad to be able to play their school sport again even if the season is shorter than usual. Water polo player, Jeila Bacon, 12, is appreciative of the opportunity to play this year even if there’s a chance it could be cut short. She is also grateful for her coaches and all they’re doing to help them succeed this year.
“This year especially has taught me to make the most of every moment so I’m excited to have that connection with my friends and teammates again while still being as safe as possible,” said Bacon. “For being a high-contact sport, our coaches do a very good job at keeping us as socially distanced as possible, both in and out of the pool when conditioning.”
Athletic director Joe Berticevich has been working with the league and guidelines to allow sports to begin playing again, and has also been ensuring that athletes can safely practice with new processes and protocols.
“It’s been almost a year so it’s exciting, but there are a lot of protocols in place so it’s uneasy but it’s well worth it. The process of getting students cleared is a bit different, normally the students would give me the hard copy of their physical then I give them the ticket to play but we can’t do that this year, it’s definitely working out though,” Berticevich said. “We’re making sure they’re following the state guidelines and the San Jose Unified guidelines and making sure they’re following protocols, wearing their masks, doing the initial symptoms check when they start practice.”
While athletes are thrilled to be playing again, there are added difficulties with the precautions for COVID-19. Head girls water polo coach Steve Kurihara is in the process of figuring out how to best keep the team safe while also building their strength back.
“I actually have some mixed feelings about coaching this season given the current circumstances. On one hand, I am really excited to get back to the pool, to see the team face to face, and finally get back even a little sense of return to normalcy. But on the other hand, there is a lot of focus on how to make sure we return in a safe manner which adds a new dynamic to coaching,” said Kurihara.
Despite this year’s struggle in starting up sports, students are trying to stay as positive as possible and continue to work hard. Football player Argel Arcangel 11, is happy to be back on the field and practicing with his teammates.
“I'm very glad that California sports are back because, personally, it feels like a part of me is back. So practicing at school again has brought back a good part in my life and just being able to be part of a good community, with good coaches, and being part of an amazing team that focuses on brotherhood feels more than good to be back.” said Arcangel. “Despite the shortened season, I still want to dominate in varsity. I want to prove to the coaches and to everyone that I can start and I am a reliable player.”