Winter Athlete’s COVID Struggle Part 1
January 11, 2021
Early in November, Governor Tim Walz temporarily suspended all high school sports due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. As cases continue to climb, Mounds View students are working to keep themselves in shape for athletics that might not resume this year. Regardless of the sport, all athletes are feeling the toll of these cancellations.
As many try to pursue normalcy, it is nearly impossible when it comes to sports, especially those that involve close contact. Due to health and safety limitations, Mounds View’s hockey teams have yet to even hold official tryouts. Instead, coaches are maintaining the team with virtual meetings and no face-to-face practices, a big change for a sport that requires lots of collaboration.
Evan Streeter, 11, who played for the boys varsity hockey team last year, notes that the shut down’s effects are far more than just physical. “It’s been really tough for everyone not being able to compete and be with our friends,” Streeter said.
The varsity team is feeling especially dismayed by the delayed season, as this is the last chance many students have at a high school season. “It’s been especially tough for our hockey team, with most of the players being seniors,” Streeter said.
Despite all the changes, Streeter feels that the team will be ready to go once it is deemed safe to do so, but acknowledges it will take some work to get back in the flow of things. “With us not being able to skate we’re going to be a bit rusty when we get back on the ice,” Streeter said. “Even though we’re not skating, the team has been doing virtual workouts together to keep us in shape and get stronger. I think as a group we will be where we need to be after a couple of practices.” Streeter added that there is hope they may get to practice together in the near future, “Coach Schmidt has very high hopes about us getting on the ice soon.”
As for now, Streeter is focusing on the future, when it will be safe to play again, saying “I’m looking forward to having fun and competing with my teammates.”