On April 24, the MIAA decided to cancel all spring sports and spring tournaments after Gov. Charlie Baker announced that school buildings in Massachusetts will not open for the remainder of the school year.
This was a serious blow to student athletes across the state – and nation. Coaches and seniors took it hardest.
“We are going through a very strange time here. As I have said before, I really believe these sacrifices we are making are helping the community and actually saving lives, but I understand how hard that is to conceptualize,” said baseball heads coach Joe Abarr.
“Baseball is a great game because it teaches invaluable lessons. To be successful (in baseball AND in life) you have to hone the skill of placing your focus on the handful of things you can control and ignore the things you cannot,” he said. “Believe me, I know how hard that is to do. I am disappointed. I am sad. I am frustrated. It is OK for you to be too. I know the players in 2021 will play their hearts out for the guys in 2020 that had the season ripped out from under them.”
Baseball co-captain Cam Perron talked about the loss of the season.
“At first I tried to keep my hopes up and wish for the best, but once the season was officially over, I was pretty disappointed,” the senior said.
“All of the hard work the boys and I put in over the years in the off-season was going to pay off in a special year for us. I am happy to have had the memories throughout the years with my teammates and to learn from such a great coach like Mr. Abarr.”
The boy’s had high hopes coming into this season, with last years record ending at 12-13, they were ready to bounce back. they did have a promising year with many juniors stepping up, they were ready to take it into this year too
Rugby coach Alex Schervish wanted to share his thoughts on the subject.
“When it comes down to it, we as coaches had a bunch of guys following us and learning from us who loved the game as much as we did. The best feeling for me as a coach is when you see a bunch of players come together–who are really with each other–accomplish something special. I am unbelievably proud of the rugby player every member of our team had become, and I can honestly say that the intensity of our practices before the season reflected a passion, focus, and camaraderie I have seen in few teams,” he said. “I am especially sad to see our seniors leave. Although they did not have a chance to compete for a playoff berth, they have undoubtedly cemented their legacy as members of Oliver Ames Rugby Club and as rugby players.”
Softball captain, Katie Abreu gave her thoughts on the current situation.
“With everything getting cancelled for the seniors, I was really hoping that they would try and find some way of still having a season. I understand why they had to cancel but of course, it still is upsetting for all of the spring senior athletes who will not be able to play their last season. I am so grateful that my team is still trying to plan something for me and my fellow seniors Abbi Holmes and Sophia D’Amato, whether it be in June or even August if it comes to it. We all just have to be grateful for the last 3 years we have had and try to find the best in the situation we are in!”
Coaches had a virtual meeting with Athletic Director Bill Matthews on Monday to discuss a variety of issues, including monogram night and student banquets.
“We are preparing a video version of the Monogram Awards night presentation to air on ECAT. Our goal is to have it ready to air on May 20th,” Matthews said.