Celebrating FWCD Fall and Winter Student-Athletes

from FWCD Falconer - Winter 2021

Q&A with Spencer Smith

When the 2020-21 school year began, no one knew what to expect related to workouts and competitions. Head of School Eric Lombardi and Interim Athletic Directors Shelley Rains and James Rains met regularly with the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) Athletic Directors and Heads throughout the summer, fall and winter to plan for various contingencies that allowed Falcons to take advantage of the time-honored athletics “A.”

The fall season started in mid-August, with student-athletes coming to campus for Phase 1 of FWCD’s “Return to Play” plan. Falcons took part in conditioning while wearing masks and social distancing to mitigate risk. The School moved to Phase 2, which allowed for more routine practices (with continued masking and distancing), and eventually progressed to limited competition, though SPC canceled the interscholastic fall season. The Athletic Department worked with local schools to put together a competition season. Even with uncertainties, FWCD rosters were full, and the committed Falcons remained positive.

In early January, winter season athletes were practicing and competing with health and safety at the forefront. A statement from SPC Commissioner Bob Windham revealed that Zone Championships would be viable alternatives to traditional SPC Championships.

“While we remain committed to providing our student-athletes a competitive experience at FWCD, circumstances with the virus in Tarrant County and at the School continue to inform our thinking,” Lombardi noted. “Community safety and health, which encompass our athletes, their coaches, and their classmates and teachers in the classrooms, are at the heart of our plans.

“We remain focused on providing a vigorous on-campus athletic program for students,” Lombardi continued. “Our athletes will continue to work with their coaches to develop and hone sport-specific skills.”

Among the athletes engaged in competition this year are 41 seniors. These students were not required to play, yet they made the commitment to lead the way and make the most of their final year in FWCD’s athletic program.