A season cut short. Unaware it would be the last game or meet. Unable to say goodbye. Possibly, not even the chance to say hello. The cancellation of school, caused by COVID-19 and the cancellation of spring sports has been finalized as of Friday, 17 of April.

“The IHSAA and IGHSAU made the decision to cancel spring sports based on the Governor’s decision to extend school closures for the remainder of the year. Without school, we knew there would be no athletics,” said athletic director Phillip Hansen. 

The cancelation of spring sports and school was greatly expected, an assumption prompted by the media and the rapid spread of COVID-19. Still, many athletes are mourning the loss of their season, and in some cases their last season. 

“The thing I hate the most about this abrupt cancellation is that I didn’t get to say goodbye to the people I care about face to face. Not being able to run has made it hard to be a prospective collegiate athlete and it’s very nerve-racking not being able to show what you’re made of in your senior season, your best season,” said track runner Oisin Leopold ‘20. 

The spring sports include track, soccer, golf, and tennis. The tryouts for soccer were supposed to be held over spring break, postponed, initially, along with the other sports. Track was able to participate in a small portion of its indoor season, but the outdoor season was postponed and then canceled before it started. Golf and tennis practices were set to start after spring break.

“What I am going to miss most about track season is being able to come to practice at the end of a stressful day and get to run with the people that I have gotten close with through running. That group is full of people I can trust [who] also push me to be the best I can be,” said Sydney Wilkes ‘23.

An ADAA online poll found that 14 percent of people use exercise to cope with stress. Now, with COVID-19 being a large stressor in people’s lives, around the world people have been experiencing strange vivid dreams, and in some cases even PTSD. According to Hansen, it is more important than ever to find something to help cope.

“I would encourage athletes to continue to find their escape through their sport. Although it will not be done together or guided by a coach, continue to master your craft, so when the next opportunity arises, you will be ready,” said Hansen.