The fate of fall sports has been greatly anticipated as students prepared to return to school amid the coronavirus pandemic.  Many sports teams have been holding optional practices to condition their athletes for the fall season.  There was speculation that the season might be put on hold for months, but the PIAA has decided to continue operations.  

For some seniors, this is great news as they now have a chance to start their final seasons.  Senior cross country runner Chloe Kline says, “I am so grateful for the chance to start our season and practice with my teammates for the time being, even if the season ends up getting canceled later on.”  

In order to comply with new guidelines, spectators at sporting events are limited to players, coaches and other staff for the time being.  Even without spectators, some athletes just want the opportunity to compete and practice.  The season is subject to change from the PIAA, so senior athletes especially are just trying to enjoy it while they can.

Kline also mentioned that she has been looking forward to her senior cross country season for a while, so the news of the continuation of fall sports is good news.

Many sports teams have had to make adjustments in order to comply with the new guidelines.  For example, cross country is only having the top twelve runners compete in meets.  This new adjustment creates extra pressure on the runners and also takes away from the experience if the team is separated during races.  However, many athletes and coaches thought there wouldn’t be a season at all, so they are willing to make that sacrifice.

For underclassmen, some are not as worried by the possibility of the season getting canceled later on.  Junior tennis player Katie Pan says, “I think it’s [fall sports returning] great because school sports are a staple in our lives. … For me personally, tennis season is when I’m the happiest.”  

Some underclassmen rely on sports as an outlet from stress and could be disappointed if the season does end up getting canceled later on.  However, they have more time to complete their final seasons in the coming years.

This upcoming sports season will be unlike any other the athletes at Manheim Township have experienced, but that doesn’t mean they all are any less happy to play.  After the fate of fall sports was up in the air for so long, some athletes are glad to have some semblance of normalcy.