April 10, 2020



Dear Colonels:

We are now into week four of our school closure due to the current health situation, and I felt it was time to take a few moments and update you on our athletic status.  I chose to wait awhile to do so because if you are like me, your emotions have probably swung back and forth from anger, to sadness, to frustration, to acceptance. I think all of our emotions were raw in the first couple of weeks, and I wanted to let that simmer down before putting anything to paper.

Your coaches have passed along information as I have received it regarding any possibility of playing spring sports this summer.  Although I am still hopeful, we do all need to prepare for the possibility that games will not be rescheduled. The VHSL Executive Director has stated that a final decision would be made in early May. If we are permitted to play in the summer, no games would be played before July 1, which creates several logistical issues, none of which cannot be overcome. However, should the situation still necessitate the closure of schools and facilities, along with group meeting limitations and social distancing guidelines, games would obviously be impossible to play.  The Northwestern District athletic directors have discussed possible scenarios, and please know that Mr. Gross and I are personally committed to advocating for a shortened season if we are permitted to play.

It is very difficult for me to drive by the game fields, the courts, and the track every day and see them completely empty, when all of you should be out there practicing and playing.  We would have already been almost halfway through our regular season schedule at this point. Our fall and winter teams were very successful this year, and I honestly felt that our spring teams were all prepared to continue, and even exceed, that success.  I know your coaches care deeply about you and were all excited at the season prospects, and this has been hard on them, too. For our seniors, I am saddened by everything you may miss this year, though I want you to know that school administration is working hard to consider possible alternative dates and venues for your special events, which again will depend on the relaxing of current restrictions.

All of us have all been frantically trying to figure out our new routine, new technologies, new modes of communication, new ways of learning, and other practical items that have suddenly been thrust upon us.  I hope that you have applied that adaptability to your personal training as well. Some sports are certainly challenging at this point with fields, courts, gyms, and other facilities closed, not to mention the 10-or-less group restriction. I think the most important thing for each of you now is simply to stay in good physical shape so that when sports resume, you are ready to go. Some coaches may have sent you specific workouts. It may involve trying some new exercise routines you find online, or simple things like running, biking, or lifting weights.  It may involve simple fundamental drills which can be tedious but will keep your skills sharp. You may search online for drills or ideas from college coaches or pros that you can do at home. Whatever you do, stay active, and try to make time twice a day for physical activity, even if one is just a longer walk in the evening.

There are some other items such as uniform collection, picture distribution, end of season awards, participation fees, etc. that will be communicated to you and your parents in the near future.  Until then, I hope that all of you and your families are safe and healthy, I hope that you take the new instruction for your classes starting next week seriously, and I hope you use your extra time wisely to become a better athlete. If athletics teaches us one skill that is helpful in times like these, it is the ability to make split-second decisions and adapt--when to make a move in a race, when to pass instead of shoot, what pitch to throw in a certain situation, or the placement of a shot.  The most successful athletes are those who can adapt, so be determined to adapt and be the best athlete, and the best person, you can be. 

Sincerely,

Mr. Woshner
Athletic Director