Looking back at a successful Winter season and forward with tryouts finished for the spring, this is the time I would normally elaborate on the plethora of sports starting this April. However, much has changed over only a few weeks. With the outbreak of COVID-19 – a highly infectious respiratory disease that causes a fever, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, pneumonia and death – Concord Academy’s administration has suspended all classes and sports until at least May 4th.
Rick Hardy addressed the school in an email update on March 13, briefly touching upon the school’s upcoming athletic activities. He stated “During this time, the SHAC and gym will also be closed. While we realize that day students might want to use or gather in campus facilities, for the safety and well-being of our community and to uphold social distancing measures, students are not to come to campus during this time.” Therefore, unlike many other break periods, all athletic facilities are closed until further notice.
Additionally, in the Distance Learning guide released on March 20, the administration stated that “Coaches and PE instructors will host a synchronous meeting for their teams/classes once a week at 3:45PM to check in and offer guidance for exercise. Students must attend these weekly meetings to get credit for the spring season. If a student is unable to attend a given session they should reach out by email to their coach to be excused. Coaches will connect asynchronously (an email, for example) with students in time zones that make the synchronous meetings impractical.”
Should physical classes resume on May 4th, it is not clear whether sports will begin again along with them. Potentially, interscholastic activities would be adapted to a format similar to intramural sports, meeting regularly but not competing against other institutions.
In these challenging times, the unknowns innumerably outweigh the information we are afforded. However, as we leap headfirst into uncertainty, it is crucial that we remain calm and follow all instructions provided by the medical, government, and school authorities. So, instead of playing on a team, consider passing the time by going for a solo run or developing an exercise routine at home.
It is in testing trials like these when CA students prove the chameleon embodies a central aspect of our identity: adaptability. Stay safe, stay fit, and be ready to adapt to all aspects of our new fitness routines.