The Impact of Covid-19 Brings Uncertainty to Winter Sports

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As Section V gears up for the upcoming winter sports seasons, Covid-19 leaves athletes wondering what will happen to what could be their last season.

The virus canceled the entire fall sports season for many sports and left athletes with a feeling of  “what could have been.” The athletes that were able to compete are grateful for that season, but many are hoping for a more established winter season. 

Some athletes only have doubts. “It’ll definitely not be normal, I’ll be surprised if they make it happen,” says Jayson Chichelli, ‘22. 

Chichelli ran cross country during the fall and placed 2nd at the Sectional Championship. Chichelli runs both track seasons as well and is looking to prove his prowess across the state, but opportunities to do so are uncertain. 

“I would hope that they could have some state championships and nationals,” Chichelli proclaims. 

Governor Cuomo said that the start and end dates were up to the sections after he put out his health guidelines. Section V pushed things back from the original start date for Indoor Track of Nov. 30 to what is now Jan. 4. 

As of now hockey will also begin Jan. 4. Other sports start dates are still unknown at this point, but athletes throughout the section are fighting for a chance to play and are even offering their own ideas. 

“I know the NBA did it, I know colleges are talking about bubbling, so I feel if they can do it on that large of a scale, then why can’t we,” Marianna Freeman, ‘21 at Bishop Kearney, said. 

The fact is that due to health guidelines that are in place by the government and the section, all winter sports are at a stand-still for the moment. There is no way of knowing at this point what sports will have a season during these uncertain times.