18 October 9, 2020 20 Carlisle family
experiences NBA Bubble
SPORTS
The Fourcast
21 Checking in with Athletic Board Chair Alyssa Taylor
Back to the field
Fall sports start back up with social distancing, extra precautions by Katherine Grace Estess Assistant News Editor
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From the beginning, Surgi thletic Director and the coaching staff had Deb Surgi reported planned to schedule games in an Aug. 21 email with neighboring schools as that the Southern conditions improved. Preparatory “We’re still looking forward Conference had canceled its to competing in small meets fall 2020 season in the light of between SPC schools once we COVID risks. Now, with athletes get back on campus,” sophomore returning to campus, possibilities and cross country runner Leena for competition are opening up. Mehendale said. “I am pleased to share with As for the plans regarding the you the great news that, following return to sports, athletes looked thoughtful planning conversations forward to their return and are with Athletic Directors from ready and willing to comply with the Southwest Preparatory the changes. Crew, who usually Conference, Hockaday’s fall row in boats of two or four athletic teams will return to people, now stay in single-person an adjusted Upper School boats during practice to comply competition schedule,” Surgi wrote photo by Katherine Grace Estess with distancing regulations. in an Oct. 2 email. Field Hockey returned to practice Sept. 21 while following health guidelines. “This season will probably She explained all safety protocols “I will miss not only the every Monday through Thursday. be focused on land training will remain in place as teams compete competition aspect of SPC but also “Zoom practice has been going and erging, since it is much easier against area schools including Trinity the team bonding that comes along good,’ Tate said. “Even though we to socially distance these types of Valley, Greenhill and Fort Worth with it,” senior and varsity field aren’t in person I am glad that the practices,” sophomore Lucy Roberts Country Day. hockey player Claire Tate said, “and coaches could come up with a way for said. The SPC cancellation means the time that I would’ve gotten to the team to interact and bond while Despite the irregular season, there will be no tournaments to spend with my teammates and also finding ways to improve our athletes and coaches are excited to compete in at the end of the fall coaches for my last year.” skills with live stick work activities.” work together and perform no matter season. Fall sports usually train all Following the cancellation On-campus practice started the circumstances. season leading up the competition announcement, the athletics Sept. 21 for all fall teams, including “I am excited to see what is to between schools all over the state department began planning for field hockey, cross country, fencing, come for this season,” Tate said, and Oklahoma. an adjusted fall season. On Sept. volleyball and crew. All fall sports “and to see what the coaches and With the need for COVID-19 9, distance practices began for wear masks during practice and captains have planned regarding our restrictions, the SPC board found it all teams. Coaches hosted team follow other regulations specific to circumstances.” in the best interest of the athletes to meetings for an hour over Zoom each sport. cancel the season.
New school, new challenge
Geier brings experience, enthusiasm to role of head athletic trainer by Caroline Petrikas Staff Writer
An interest in sport medicine drew Jeff Geier, Hockaday’s New Director of Sports Performance and Medicine, to athletic training, but his passion for athletics and helping athletes made him stay. “My favorite part [of training] is seeing the excitement that athletics can bring to the student-athletes,” Geier said. Following Head Athletic Trainer Jeanne Olsen’s retirement at the end of the 2019-2020 school year, the athletic department hired Geier. He comes to Hockaday after 14 years at Episcopal School of Dallas. “It was time to take on a new challenge,” Geier said. “I’m excited to meet the students, start sports and get familiar with the department.” Geier’s journey as a trainer began when he was certified 25 years ago at Texas Christian University where he received his Bachelor’s of Science in Fitness Promotion with a minor in Athletic Training. After graduating, he worked at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Neb. Then, in 2006, he transferred to the Episcopal School of Dallas where he served as the Head Athletic Director.
"It was time to take on a new challenge. I’m excited to meet the students, start sports and get familiar with the department." Jeff Geier Head Athletic Trainer Student athletes said they are excited about working with a new trainer and the new prospects that come with it. “I’m definitely going to miss Coach Olsen, but I think it’ll definitely be good to have a new start, too,” Junior Student Trainer Emily Estes said. “Hopefully he can help us get more involved during the games and in general.” Senior and Cross country captain Inez Johnson said she hopes Geier can continue to build on Olsen’s legacy. “Coach Olsen set a strong foundation for the training department and hopefully as a new
photo by Graydon Paul
Geier sits on one of the tables in the training room, prepared to help students.
face Geier can build upon that and improve the department,” Johnson said. “I think it will strengthen the relationship between cross country and the trainer because being a good athlete doesn’t only mean training hard, it means recovering hard, too.” Sophomore Ambyr Baker said she was excited to see what Geier has to offer. “I hope he has more specific care for each athlete and is available for players participating in their sport both in and out of school,” Baker said.
Geier said the opportunity to add strength and conditioning oversight to his job description was appealing, but he has always found it satisfying to help athletes overcome injuries. “Challenges that may arise with an injury or rehab or things like that really interest me and make me think,” Geier said, “and make me find the pieces of puzzle to make it all line up and get the athlete back on the field.”
