Last September, the The New York State Public High School Athletic Association  (NYSPHSAA) announced fall sports, such as volleyball, football, and competitive cheer were delayed until March 1st due to COVID-19 safety protocols.

Fall sports around New York State have been delayed until March 1, 2021. The NYSPHSAA states that administering high-risk fall sports during the COVID-19 pandemic presents a difficult challenge.  Athletes across the state were prepared to be back in school and playing, but will need to wait patiently until spring arrives.

“There’s a lot that needs to happen, in order for the season to happen,” said McQuaid varsity volleyball assistant coach Mr. Christian Verghese.

In order for students to get their shot at playing this season, there will need to be many changes and safety regulations put into place, even then, it isn’t a guarantee there will be a season.

“I think if it does get canceled, it would be a major hole in the student experience,” Verghese says.

Many students around use sports as motivation towards academics, pushing them to keep grades up, and giving the challenging education a purpose.

This set back of fall sports will cause spring sports to be delayed until April 19, 2021.

Although not all fall sports were delayed, high school athletics has taken a large hit from the pandemic and it will be a while before athletes and coaches can go back to the sports they love.