The question has been thrown around the whole school year, especially during the winter sports season: was it even worth it? These athletes and directors gave their opinion on the topic.
Athletics director Bill Matthewswas very enthusiastic in his response. “It is absolutely worth it! The student athletes are thrilled to have a chance to play. Looking back, I would not change anything. We developed a good plan and are working our way through the obstacles that have arisen.” The athletes and coaches have shown immense strength throughout this entire process, and it shows in their resilience to these circumstances.
Assistant Swim and Dive coach Bill Palmer also made a statement. The swim and dive team has been hit particularly hard this season, as swimmers are next to each other in lanes and can’t have their masks in the pool.
“I think it has been well worth the effort. Considering how easy we have life now from a convenience and comfort and survival point of view, learning to persevere and adapt has been a lesson we can all use… But giving the kids on the team the chance to compete and just be with their friends and continue with life is worth it…. [However] I would have had a more flexible schedule for practice and I would have increased ten fold our warnings about being careful.”
Trey Buggs of the boys basketball team and Matthew Nigro of the hockey team both shared their experiences this season.
“I definitely think that it was worth playing through all the setbacks since it is my senior season and I have been playing since I can remember,” Buggs commented. Nigro mirrored Buggs’ statement, saying “While it has been a very difficult season, I think it was worth it. I know the other seniors really looked forward to playing this year. Even though there’s so many restrictions and changes to the rules, we still love playing the game regardless.”
There are good and bad sides to the situation, but life and experiences can’t be completely put on hold for a virus. We only live once.