Uncertain Times + What it Means For Our Athletes
July 27, 2020
In a time of uncertainty where answers seem to lay low in a hidden canyon, where the wind tricks our finger into sensing four directions, and deep waters seem to leave us without air, there is always hope for the very ground we share; hope worth saving to accomplish all that we must fight for.
While the months pass, COVID-19, the world-wide pandemic has undoubtedly contributed to a lot of change. It’s not easy knowing that within seconds, your life can change in so many ways: big plans being cancelled, unemployment, school adjustments, people dying, risking their lives in protests, no answer as to when it will all stop. When you are not provided with answers, it becomes easy to question. Easy to lose hope. Many people might feel perfectly at ease, but the truth is, when your own country, state, county, city is definitely not, it affects you too. Wound up within the many school adjustments are the drastically different CIF athletic regulations. It may not be a life or death situation, but it does mean a great deal for our athletes.
Though the pandemic climate continues to change, CIF made decisions that modified seasons for all sports- pushing the start of high school sports to January thus forcing sectional, regional, and state championships back as well. Regular season starting dates for Fall sectional playoffs will start anywhere from April 10th-March 20th and for Spring sports: May 22-June 19th. For regional/state the Fall season sports will start and end anywhere from March 20th-April 17th and for Spring sports: June 5th-26th.
All summer period activities must be authorized by the school’s principal/designee and all outside competition is suspended. With all the new information, it may come as a disadvantage for many: Sophomore water-polo player Brody Baker says he thinks it’s “unfortunate to not be able to go on tournaments as a team and that competitive mentality will be lost.” That is exactly it. Mentality. It’s the true recipe for champions (not the Wheaties breakfast cereal). Being able to control what you can. Crossing out all negatives and picturing a grander picture. Sports being postponed shouldn’t mean pushing motivation closer to the start. That’s short term thinking. Committing to yourself and a goal is greater than motivation —it’s dedication- it’s perseverance. Something that will get you beyond boundaries when motivation is zilch.
Putting in the work on your own isn’t always the most exciting, but the deal-breaker is your commitment to the future. Holding yourself to high standards, not selling yourself short. Progress everyday – a chance to strengthen your body and mind in ways you hadn’t done before; baby steps before the big strides. A run outside (while maintaining distance), an at-home workout, a stretching routine. With all the time in the world, utilize what you have; look forward and never look back.
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