Athletes give their outlook on the

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW Student athletes share hopes for upcoming sports season

TOMMY MARGULIS health & sports staff

Chloe Gaither The girls swim team practices will GIRLS SWIM Emma Smith Girls basketball looks different this GIRLS BASKETBALL look different this season due to year because of social distancing due to COVID-19 guidelines. The team must COVID-19. Despite the changes made, adjust to stay safe during the pandem- the girls remain enthusiastic about the ic, which can be difficult, as swimmers can’t wear masks in a pool. “Usually there’s about seven people in each (Photo by Ginger Schulte) season ahead. “We have to socially distance ourselves when we go for water breaks, and make sure (Photo by Ginger Schulte) lane; now there will be four in each lane,” sophomore we’re not too close together and we always have our

Chloe Gaither said. “To make sure that everyone gets masks on, ” junior Emma Smith said. swimming time, a few people are going to be out on Although COVID-19 has given the team new chalthe deck doing dryland exercises. I think that increase lenges to conquer, they are making the most out of it. in experience is definitely going to help the team “Our goal is to win districts,” Smith said. “We just because if we get more swimmers on the state team, have to push each other and ourselves to do better in it’s definitely going to help our chances at doing better practice because you practice the way you play.” there.” Calvin Ciorba WRESTLING The wrestling team will continue to practice with COVID-19 restrictions in place. Wrestlers have to wear masks and social distance whenever possible, which proves difficult due to the high amounts of contact within the (Photo by Grace Hensley) sport and its intense practices and drills.

“Wrestling is one of the hardest sports, and when you’re breathing super hard through a mask, it’s even Serving St. Louis Since harder,” senior Calvin Ciorba said. “We’re doing everything we can to stay safe so we can actually have 1912 a season. I think everyone has a chance to be very successful and make the state tournament, but having 12833 Olive Blvd a smaller team could make that more difficult.” BOYS BASKETBALLBeau Dolan St. Louis MO 63141 314-434-5000 Originally, the boys basketball team was unsure if they would be www.seegertoyota.complaying games or not, but the boys remain hopeful that they will be able to play games. Despite the uncertainty of the season, the team remains excited to (Photo by Mallory Ward) *Ask about Seeger Care Plus play their sport. “Even if we only get a few games, it’s fine because for New Cars and Seeger it’s a pandemic, and we just want to play as much as we can,” freshman Beau Dolan said. “We don’t know Care for Used Cars* what’s going to come out, but we’re excited for the future. Whatever’s going to happen will happen.” 22 HEALTH & SPORTS SPREAD DESIGN BY ERIN TURKIELTAUB | KATIE HOLLAND