Fort Worth-area high school coaches are anxious, eager about starting summer workouts
It’s been three months since the novel coronavirus put high school athletes in quarantine and robbed them of their seasons.
No more spring football, softball, baseball or soccer.
Now there might be light at the end of the tunnel.
Monday will be a big day for teams, coaches and athletes around the state, especially those in the fall which includes football, volleyball, cross country and tennis.
It’s the first day they can participate in strength and conditioning workouts.
“It’s a ray of hope for us fall sports,” Burleson volleyball coach D’Anna Newton said. “There’s restrictions, but these are the first steps to our new normal. We’re so ready to see our kids face-to-face.”
On May 22, the University of Interscholastic League released its guidelines for outdoor and indoor workouts.
Notable points of interest included workouts lasting a maximum of two hours a day Monday through Friday and that students and staff must maintain at least six feet of distance.
Indoor workouts such as weight lifting must only be at 25% capacity and all equipment must be thoroughly disinfected before and after each use.
The UIL also recommended that schools should consider pre-screening students for COVID-19 before summer workouts begin and at the start of every week of workouts.
“I’m excited, but cautious. We miss the kids. Seeing them on a screen is not the same,” Richland football coach Ged Kates said. “Their safety and the safety of our coaches is top priority.”
When asked about workouts starting up again, most coaches were ready for it to begin.
Arlington Sam Houston football coach Anthony Criss had mixed emotions.
He turns 57 in September and has had health problems in the past.
“Really concerned about the kids and coaches,” Criss said. “Someone like myself with underlying conditions has to be really careful. Everyone is excited I’m quite sure, but we really need to be careful.”
Back Into The Groove
The UIL held out hope the spring season would return, but stated that there would’ve been an acclimatization period before games started to help athletes get back into shape.
“Strength training, cardio and football skills will be a huge part in getting them ready so this is extremely good news,” Boswell football coach John Abendschan said. “I think it all depends on the next four weeks and how people respond to opening things up. It will definitely be different, but not sure how it will look.”
In the meantime, some athletes have been working out on their own.
“I’m super excited. This is a first step to getting things back to normal and the team back up to where they should be, and most importantly, us getting to improve as a team,” said Weatherford rising junior Koby Kidd.
Volleyball season starts a month before football season. Scrimmages start Aug. 7 and official matches begin Aug. 10.
The first regular season football game is scheduled for Thursday, Aug 27.
“I think it’s very exciting and a step in the right direction. Obviously, still a ways off from where we would like to be., but it’s a start,” Southlake Carroll volleyball coach Teresa Dunn said.
“My biggest concern, if they do let us play this fall and I pray they do, is if kids have enough time to condition, not just in physical shape, but to prevent injuries as well,” Abendschan added.
Basketball season isn’t until November, but that won’t stop coaches from seeing their kids and getting a head start of the upcoming campaign.
Arlington Martin is coming off its best season in program history and getting back to work as a team is the first step to repeating its success.
“I am excited to be around my kids and do what we love again,” Martin coach Brooke Brittain said. “We realize that we are leading the way with this here in Texas and we know how important it is to follow the UIL guidelines and restrictions to the letter and beyond.
“I think we are all very aware of the seriousness of doing this the right way, but I can’t say I’m not fired up. It brings me great joy to be around my kids and coach, so I am very thankful for the opportunity.”
Participation
Some coaches think that certain school districts will choose not to participate to prevent any risk of illness.
“I think there will be some that fall in that category,” Kennedale coach Barrett said. “I think when the details and restrictions were released, schools will be better able to make an informed decision that’s in their best interest.”
Player participation numbers could decrease as well.
“I think that’s a possibility,” North Crowley coach Courtney Allen said. “We also have to take into account parents who might be ready for their child to participate. In the end I truly believe the UIL and our district will have a great plan for all student athletes’ safety.”
While the UIL begins its workouts on Monday, club sports have started practices back up.
Saginaw rising senior Kaley Brubaker practiced with her club volleyball team on Monday with players still doing social distancing. However, that’s all she’ll get as summer tournaments have been canceled.
“Athletes should be mature enough to take the precautions they deem necessary,” Brubaker said. “If an individual feels their health is at risk and wishes to not participate, then they shouldn’t. But those that are willing should be allowed to.”
Most guidelines that have been released have been for outdoor activity.
The NBA and NHL are looking to continue their seasons this summer, which could be a strong indication on whether or not the volleyball season will start on time.
“I feel like outdoor sports are a lot more promising than indoors, but I am a very optimistic coach,” Dunn said. “I say yes we start on time, but I could see the potential of some modifications to how things are run like practice, equipment, games and fan support.
“I hope we are back to normal, but also trying to stay level-headed through this.”
This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
