Back in the GAme Athletics Answers the Call By George Nessman, Athletic Director
As the impact of the pandemic began to crystalize, the Justin-Siena athletics program saw it as our obligation to demonstrate important qualities that serve athletes and teams. Further, in the face of turmoil and unrest not seen for many decades, we are called to provide a template for our students to assist in their responses to these new realities. Reflecting persistence in the face of adversity when crossing the Alps, Hannibal responds, “We will either find a way, or make one.” The ability to adjust, adapt, and overcome when facing difficult circumstances became the most relevant operating principle. There is little doubt that positive, team-centered social interaction, physical development, and basic movement are some of the many personal rewards of participating in sports. Determining how we could continue to provide these benefits in some form to our student-athletes in the safest way possible and within established health best practices guided our thinking and decision-making. It was and remains important for our students to get up and keep moving! Our coaches and athletics staff have taken these challenges on with determination. Justin-Siena was the first local high school to transition students into strength and conditioning programs this summer and these have continued into the fall semester. We are staying ahead of the curve.
How we got here March: In-person school suspended (virtual classes only) and VVAL decides to postpone all play until April 1.
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April: NCS/CIF ends Spring Seasons. Empty bleachers and no cheering.
May: Athletic Directors George Nessman, Andrew Bettencourt ’02, and Athletic Trainer Sarah Goble, create a policy for athletics to safely return. The plan was developed consulting national and local guidelines, NFHS and CIF COVID recommendations, as well as working with our local public health officer.
