Safe Sports

How LHS is playing games this spring

Audrey Branding Staff Writer Spring sports are one of the most important parts of the school year for lots of students, athletes and coaches across the country. Spring sports give students and teachers a break from school and give everyone a chance to enjoy playing their favorite sport or activity. In fall 2020, many states, including Missouri, and counties, including St. Louis County, decided to shut down youth sports due to the risk of close contact that comes along with most school sports. Due to the low amount of adults vaccinated at the time and the high cases across the country, Sam Page, the St. Louis county executive, decided to put numerous restrictions in place for fall sports, including no competitions and a maximum of 30 athletes allowed at practices. According to KMOV, Page said, “The positive rate between 15 and 19 years old is near 20%, whereas all other age groups the rate is near 6%.” This news caused a huge uproar by students, athletes, coaches and parents. According KMOV, a parent of a high school student said, “He had a hard time getting out of bed this morning and all of his friends did. They were all texting before their feet hit the floor and the wind was just knocked out of their sails.” This was the reaction of many athletes and parents that heard the hard news. Many things have changed since fall 2020. For example, lots of teachers and parents have gotten vaccinated. In February, Sam Page announced some new changes to the restrictions for youth sports and adult sports. According to KSDK, Page said, “Tournaments can return for both adult and youth sport leagues, however there will still be restrictions on the limit of people in one place at a time and interacting with people.” This is a huge change compared to last fall. However, the county’s COVID-19 restrictions still mandates masks for the fans and if the competition or practice is inside, the players must wear masks as well. There is also a limit placed on the number of spectators at games. Spring sports officially began in late March. But as of March 15th, Lindbergh announced they would follow current Covid-19 guidelines, meaning spectators returned to game. Other guidelines being followed included masks being worn at all times, social distancing requirements and only two family members allowed per athlete for indoor games and competition. Students have had to adjust to the new regulations, but appreciate the opportunity to play.

News May 6 “COVID-19 has made us all have to be more cautious. We can’t do things as carelessly this year. Some girls have gotten quarantined and they couldn’t play for a bit, which wasn’t the best. Also, for inside practices we have to wear masks and that is not fun because it gets very hot. It is good that we have unlimited crowds, though. Overall, this soccer season would obviously be better without COVID-19, but I still think it is very fun and we are making the most of it,” Cecilia Schwartz (9) said. Lindbergh High School teams are also allowed to travel to different schools for tournaments as long as they follow that county’s COVID-19 guidelines. “Like most sports and activities, COVID- 19 has affected the way we approach our sport. Golf is unique since there is very little contact among players and teammates and no sharing of equipment is allowed during matches. The few changes that have affected golf are: Leaving the flagstick in when putting, no trading scorecards at the beginning of a tournament or match, no signing of scorecards at the conclusion of an event, and replacing masks at the end of the event,” Mike Tyler (Golf Coach) said.

Regarding the post season tournaments, Lindbergh will make decisions when the time comes so they can pay attention to the number of cases and amount of athletes and students quarantined at the time. According to the MSHSAA, “We have contacted the Missouri Health Department and at this time, there are no restrictions or requirements to stop activities with large groups of people. We are developing contingency plans for the possible effects of school closures on the state playoffs, your spring sport practices and/or contests, and are monitoring COVID-19 developments closely.” This is important because the MSHSAA regulates Missouri high schools’ ability to hold sporting events and play spring sports. The CDC said regarding school sports in spring of 2021, “Schools should continue to collaborate, share information, and review plans with local health officials to help protect the whole school community, including those with special health needs.” Despite changes, Lindbergh’s coaches and athletes are excited to return to somewhat normal play. “Last spring was terrible for everyone to miss the entire season, and it is a good feeling to see all of them in action this spring. It has not been ideal and it’s far from normal, but being involved in something is an important part of high school especially this year. [I’m] happy to see our kids get to compete!” Scott Luczak (Athletic Director) said.