SPORTS

Game On, COVID!

Athletes return to play after months at home By Kristina Pham, Reporter and Delaney Polocheck, Reporter

as close-contact play. obviously. Still, they’ve found a way to march The Center for past the obstructions of Disease Control and face coverings. Prevention (CDC) “Wind instruments have specific fabric masks reports that most with a small slit for the mouthpiece to go in,” cases of coronavirus senior drum major Ava Speros said. “The in children younger biggest issue is when you’re out of breath than 18 years running laps in the heat, and the mask has to present themselves stay on.” as asymptomatic Other changes for the band include not being or mild, so even if able to share water coolers, members filling the a student athlete width of the stands at football games in order contracted the virus, to socially distance themselves and taking seven they likely wouldn’t buses to football games as opposed to five. know. These For other sports, like cross country and track, students run the masks are not a requirement. risk of unknowingly “When running we have to stay farther out at infecting practice, not bunched in a pack like normal,”

Junior Samantha Cousins and seniors Lauren Elie and Lyla junior varsity cross country runner Ryan Fraser

Traylor wait for the serve. Photo by Callie Maxwell. immunocompromised family said. “I don’t like not being able to run right members and friends. with your buddy, but because of the changes, I “A lot of young people act like they are not don’t have any fear of contracting the virus.” ONCE PACKED BLEACHERS capable of contracting the virus,” junior varsity are now sparse, crowds’ cheers no longer fill stands on game-days, uniforms come paired with a mask and post-game handshakes are a thing of the past. For athletes across the nation, COVID-19 has drastically changed tennis player Kinari Hirano said. “I’ve heard of some ill effects you can experience, even after healing, so I “As long as we’re together, I don’t Unwavering Passion High school sports play a large role in their seasons. A Difficult Decision The kick-off to sports seasons has many athletes holding their breath, and not just because UIL (University Interscholastic League) has mandated masks. COVID-19’s cancellation of practices and games led many to question whether they would have a season at all, and if so, could their love of the game trump personal safety concerns? According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Harris County ranks first among Texas counties on the official COVID-19 count, totaling 152, 673 cases as of Oct. 14. To slow the spread of the virus, the University Interscholastic League (UIL), Texas’ governing body for high school sports, released a set of COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Guidelines. Among these are the requirement of face coverings, daily disinfection of equipment, screening protocols and a 50 percent maximum capacity limit for stadium spectators. Still, many athletes are skeptical of the safety of team sports, complicated further by shared locker rooms and equipment, as well am a bit scared.” An Era of Change and Adaptation For the Markettes, classic, fan-favorite football dances, such as the hoop and kick routines, must be altered thanks to COVID-19. Practices with the band in the church parking lot, shared locker rooms and routines that require team members to touch are all obstacles they have to overcome. “We’re not able to high five each other after a good run anymore, and we can’t do my favorite dance, kick, which is super upsetting,” junior Markette Alice Scafide said. “But I love my team, and as long as we’re together, I don’t think anything can really bother us.” For the marching band, most instruments are played by mouth, which makes the problem of wearing masks difficult, forming a tight-knit community; from tailgates, pep-rallies, and Friday night lights, to finding friendships in teammates and spectators, sports have brought the community together for decades. Under social distancing policies and virtual learning, the solidarity that sports foster for students is now especially important. The sporting community provides a sense of normalcy amidst disrupted routines and the chaotic backdrop of COVID-19. The influence of high school sports extends beyond students. Football is embedded in Texas culture, but there’s no denying its incompatibility with COVID-19. Between blocking, tackling and team think anything really bothers us. -Alice Scafide, 11 Do you feel that masks considerably affect your sports performance? ” *60 student athletes polled YESNO 47.4% 52.6% 16 Oct

huddles, players sharing the same airspace Tennis players are now required to wear all pose legitimate health risks. However, a masks off-court, spread out on-court and ask regularly scheduled COVID-19 testing policy for permission when getting water. is too costly for the district. Still, players are There’s unshakable optimism in the soccer keeping a department as well. positive outlook. “A couple of changes to our daily routine is “I have confidence in SBISD and our coaches a small price to pay to remain playing,” head that they are doing what’s best for us,” junior girls soccer coach Lindley Amarantos said. football player Carson Zahn said. “Being adaptable and problem solving are key Players are running components we preach less, getting their in the soccer program, temperatures checked, and minimizing time and capacity allowed in the locker room at one “ I think our team has risen to the and this is just another opportunity where we can use these skills.” Changes include time. When the helmet comes off, the masks challenge and wearing buffs or face masks during practice and must come on. School sponsored sports and clubs are getting creative in made us stronger. -Daisy Vannuis, 9 ” requiring separate water bottles. Many locker rooms are now staggered in an effort to adhere to how they honor their social distancing policies. opponents’ traditions Even in a time of such and in how they keep team spirit alive. uncertainty, one thing is for sure; Memorial’s Handshakes, once the standard in sports used fighting spirit is relentless and the ‘stangs are to acknowledge a competition well played, are not backing down. transitioning to contact-less forms for sports “This is definitely not what I imagined my like tennis. first year of volleyball to be like,” freshman “It isn’t that big of a deal,” sophomore Ava Daisy Vannuis said. “But I think our team has Annino said. “We can just say ‘good game’ and risen to the challenge and made us stronger.” shake rackets.”

Junior Anna Graber cheers with her mask on, socially distanced in the stands. Photo by

Jacqueline Wright.

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

Freshman Jade Lawson-Ho discusses her experience as the only girl on the football team

Q: What position do you play, and how long have you been playing football?

A: I play kicker, and this is my second year playing football.

Q: What made you decide to play football?

A: I heard we needed a kicker in eighth grade. I knew I could kick well because I play soccer, so I decided to try out for football, and I made it. I enjoyed it last year, so I decided to play freshman year too.

Q: What’s it like being the only girl on the team?

A: Honestly, being the only girl is a little uncomfortable, but the coaches are extremely welcoming and the boys are nice. I think it’s important to show that women can take on roles they weren’t traditionally expected to be able to.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about playing football?

A: My favorite thing about football is that I get to experience the challenges of playing a male-dominated sport, while also being able to try something I wouldn’t normally do.