Most of our daily activities have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and local high school sports are no exception.
The spring season was slated to begin on March 16. Afternoons this week were supposed to be set aside for tryouts, practices and team building, the sort of preseason activity that helps build up over a one or two-week span to lead up to the launch of the regular season.
That spring season now won’t begin until April 27, resulting in a shorter regular season for sports like lacrosse, tennis, baseball, softball and spring track. While it’s not clear exactly how long the regular season would run and when the postseason would begin, the end date for the postseason tournaments is June 20, with a June 21 rain date.
With so much still up in the air at this point - it’s possible more alterations are coming to the spring season if this public health situation is still unresolved as we get closer to the proposed April 27 start date - members of the Manchester Essex High School Athletic Department have been working hard to keep all key parties involved notified of changes to the schedule as they are announced.
“I have been tweeting updates to the community and emailing families & coaches about any changes,” explains Jordan Edgett, the school’s athletic director. “The CAL [Cape Ann League] AD's have also been in constant contact throughout this situation.”
When asked if it was possible that the entire season might be cancelled if the pandemic continues, Edgett states: “I believe that anything is on the table. I trust that the MIAA and state will make the decisions that are best for our student athletes.”
While it’s understandable that the situation can introduce a level of frustration and confusion for those affected by it, Edgett says all involved have been on board with the changes to this point.
“Everyone has been 100% understanding,” he says. “We all believe that this is much bigger than sports.”
Edgett has witnessed the delay or alteration of other sports seasons due to various reasons, but states this situation is wholly unique from any he has encountered before.
“Athletic departments often have to be creative in order to avoid delaying the start of the season, especially in the spring,” explains Edgett. “Whether it’s snow, rain or unplayable fields, it seems like most springs have delayed starts to the season. This past winter season didn't get started until the Wednesday after Thanksgiving because of the snow.
He adds: “Nothing compares to this - not in my lifetime.”
Edgett and his staff are advising others to take the precautions provided to the public regarding COVID-19, and keeping an eye on a future in which this will hopefully be resolved and the games can once again begin.
“Right now, the message is that we are all taking social distancing seriously and expect that everyone is doing the same,” says Edgett. “We will come up with a possible contingency plan when we get closer to the start of the season and have more information.”
Jason Brisbois covers sports for The Cricket. Email him at jason@thecricket.com
