PRACTICE PROTOCOLS

COVID CAN’T SIDELINE SPORTS Both indoor and outdoor practices abide by CDC guidelines Addison Mark | Staff Reporter

Everyday activities seem now to be more of a hassle, thanks to COVID-19. We walk out of the house, put on a mask and try to social distance from those around us. But how do sports teams tackle social distancing?

Bishop Kenny has acknowledged the need to take precautions towards all sports practices this year in order to keep the team, the school and the community-at large safe.

Sophomore Molly Vought is a junior varsity volleyball player who has been playing for Bishop Kenny for two years.

Players are required to social distance, Vought says, since the gym is not an openair facility. “It’s really difficult to do that since volleyball is a sport where all of the team members have to crowd around each other,” Vought said.

The volleyball team can no longer huddle together anymore and they have to maintain six feet distance during practice. “It is definitely a challenge, and it is very time consuming with the amount of things we have to clean, including all of the balls,” Vought said.

To avoid spread of the virus, players get temperature checks and are required to fill out a health questionnaire before each game.

“The team and I are all taking this seriously and will abide by the rules so our season won’t be ruined,” Vought said.

When teams must travel to away games, extra busses are needed because fewer players can fit in each bus and properly distance themselves. They also have to leave earlier than they normally would because

Senior Laura Roskein spikes the ball in the Sept.15 game against Ponte Vedra.

Photos by Meghan Williamson

Sophomore Price Watson rushes toward the goal line for a touchdown in the Oct. 8 game against Orange Park.

they do not have access to locker rooms and therefore have to stay on the field the entire game.

“I know that everyone is taking good precautions to keep everyone safe, so I’m not too nervous about getting in contact with other teams,” Vought said.

The Florida High School Athletic Association, or FHSAA, enforces rules that allow players to have space to spread out and not crowd together on the sidelines, wearing masks whenever possible and sanitizing all equipment.

“[Players must] promote the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play in all athletic contests and enact policies and guidelines that safeguard the physical, mental and moral welfare of high school students and protect them from exploitation,” according to the FHSAA website.

Outdoor sports such as football have their own guidelines to abide by. Assistant coach Timothy Duclos says that football players and coaches all have to wear masks before and after practices. The team also has to stay distanced when they take water breaks.

“I’m not nervous,” Duclos said. “I think we have to do our best to follow the guidelines and practices that have been established to keep our players and coaches safe.”

ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE Offensive lineman commits to play Division I football for Texas Charli Esposito | Staff Reporter

When senior Michael nobody was coming on.” Texas and hopefully bring back Myslinski took Then, his first offer came in a National championship.” his first steps from the University of Louisville. Myslinski told Fox30. onto the field in the fifth “That was my first ‘Power Myslinski is team grade, he knew he would Five’ offer,” Myslinski said. “I captain, alongside love the game of football. remember I got up and hugged senior Matthew Helow.

Myslinski’s love for the my dad like I never had before.” “Mike has taught me game “hooked” the attention ‘Power Five’ conferences how to lead by example on of more than 26 college are regarded as the strongest the field [and] not just vocally recruiters. Ultimately, Myslinski athletic programs (ACC, at practice,” Helow said. announced his commitment Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and According to his coaches, to play Division I football SEC) which are most likely Myslinski shows up to practice for Texas on August 6, 2020. to secure a spot in one of ready to train every day.

At the beginning of the six bowl games of the “He’s one of the high school, Myslinski College Football Playoffs. hardest [working] kids statistically did not comply Two days later, he received out there and he likes with the qualifications of an an offer from University of to play aggressive,” offensive lineman, which is his Oregon and “after that it offensive line coach current committed position. was like every other day I Tyler Jordan said.

He comes in at 6’3 and got a new one,” Mylinski Myslinski takes around 285 pounds, and is said. “Finally, [University inspiration from ranked one of the top 15 of] Texas came in and they his coaches with center recruits nationally offered me in on April 1.” him to each for the class of 2021, As soon as he got an game: “You are according to 247sports.com. offer from Texas, Myslinski never as good At first, Myslinski says, the says he knew it was where as you think recruitment process was taxing. he wanted to spend the next you are, and

“I was getting a four years playing football. you’re never little frustrated because “It came down to a gut as bad as you [during] junior year, feeling... I’m excited to play for think you are.”