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The wait has finally ended for high school basketball students on Long Island as sports return this month by following safety guidelines.This still leaves parents concerned for their children’s well-being.
Many student basketball players are itching to get back on the court. However, there are going to be a lot of changes from past seasons. There will be many COVID-19 precautions taken, as well as a shortened game schedule.
Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School in Port Washington has many students who are extremely excited for the start of the season, such as sophomore Camron Welker. Expressing how much this means to him, Welker goes on to say, “I thought this day would never come. Basketball is my life. Getting able to be back on the court this month means a lot to me. With dreams of becoming a professional basketball player one day, I understand that these four years playing in high school is important, and I can’t afford to miss any seasons. I’m definitely going to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
With the season being back during the pandemic, there are many health precautions and responsibilities that student athletes have to do regularly in order to participate. Welker states, “[A]ll members of the team are now forced to do virtual learning, opposed to attending school…[W]e are only allowed to go through the back door of the school, and must only use the locker room that is only for us. We cannot use any of the vending machines or lounge areas… There will be no fans in attendance for any game…We are not allowed to hang out on the weekends or during the week, to limit the possibility of being exposed to the virus. Every week it is mandatory that we get tested for the virus and report the results to our coaches. If there are any positive results, our season is over. It may seem like a lot, but I trust my team. We will not mess this up…”
There are many parents on Long Island that are stressed as the new sports season begins. Parents are worried and scared that their children will get the virus. Janice Mathis, the mother of Roslyn High School basketball player, Aaron Williams, expressed her worries about the state’s decision to begin the basketball season. “I cannot believe they are putting out kids in danger like this. I do not want to be the parent that is ruining all the fun, but c’mon, this is my kid we are talking about. It scares me that I know he is going to be out there with the risk of catching COVID.”
All people can do is hope and pray for the best. For players, coaches, and families to be cautious, safe, and make the right decisions to ensure the success of the resumed athletic sports.
