By Ariana Rathan
As Orange County’s cases have begun to reach the purple tier, the Huntington Beach Unified High School District (HBUHSD) has given permission to in-person sports like football, cross country, tennis, golf, baseball, swimming and diving, basketball, soccer, water polo, softball and cross country to return to games.
Since these are the first games of the year for many Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) athletes, we asked them to give us their perspective on what it’s like to practice and play their sport while abiding by COVID-19 safety regulations, as well as their own opinions about returning to in-person games.
All photos provided.
“I really missed my team, not playing in real life isn’t the same as meeting through a screen and there are a lot of COVID-19 restrictions. Those restrictions are good, they’re getting the job done. I think that they’re necessary, putting in the minimal effort, it’s pretty doable. We get our temperature taken, we always have to have our masks on, we can’t be next to each other. Coming in more contact with different teams from different areas is definitely a concern. COVID-19 cases in our county have been going up. I think that we should put more time and effort into our restrictions. Playing the sport we love is a huge part of the high school experience, but I’d like to think that everyone takes each other’s lives seriously. The thing that is different from last year is that we play against local teams. I think it [returning to in-person] is pretty good just so that we can get to know all the freshmen, but we also are taking everyone’s health into consideration. We all kind of feel like it shouldn’t be rushed as it is because it takes the fun out of the sport. It feels like we are being forced to play. We also have the worry that we may get sick the next time that we play,” varsity golf player sophomore Lily Ta said.
“I’ve been practicing in-person for a while now with the team except the beginning of January because the COVID-19 situation got worse, but when it got better, we when started practicing again. I honestly believe that tennis is the safest sport out there because we are at least 12-20 feet apart whether ur playing singles or doubles. I believe they are doing all they can about our safety to sanitize after every match, or even changing the scorecards the people who are hosting it will be the ones changing it so we don’t spread our germs. I feel safe actually because this is the best we can do while still being able to play. I think that’s wonderful as long as they are following protocols, I guess for certain sports during practice should be wearing a mask and during games should be allowed to take it off it’s OPTIONAL and when done to immediately put back on their mask,” varsity tennis player freshman Sophie Vu said.
“I plan on returning to in-person sports. My team has been doing in-person practice since October. It’s all been socially distanced and my sport doesn’t have an online option. The safety protocols make it much harder to play our sport for a while we couldn’t share any equipment or within six feet of each other. I do feel safe though because we do have to follow all the COVID-19 safety rules. I was a little nervous returning to in-person practice and having games but when I got there everything looked fine and safe and there weren’t really any issues. Now it’s actually really nice to have in-person practice cause it gives me something to do and a reason to get out of my house. The actual game wasn’t that different from last year except it was recommended we wear masks on the field. The big differences were off the field, we had to be six feet apart and wear masks. We couldn’t be near each other we couldn’t do any end game high-fives or anything for the other team. When we returned for our in-person games, our team was much more excited and motivated to try in practice. For me, it felt like there was actually a point in going to practice because we actually had something to work for. The rest of the team was very excited to have in-person games and to finally get to play instead of just practice,” varsity field hockey player junior Jocelyn Cramer said.
“We’ve already started some in-person games which are really nice to have some normalcy back. I think the safety requirements are well suited for our situation, however, I also feel like it is momentary precautions and not preventive. I know personally, I would enjoy games but I understand it’s not safe and why the rules are in place. The games are incredibly different contrasting to last year’s because it’s a lot later in the year as well as we have had much less time to gel as a team, plus there are “fans” on the sidelines. We already are in-person, and it helped improve our dynamic as a team. I would say the rest of my team concur and aline with my beliefs,” frosh soccer player sophomore Mariana Swete said.
“We’ve been working hard all off-season, it would be devastating to not return [to in-person]. I think that they [safety protocols] are pretty vigorous. For football, we recently got a COVID-19 test before the game and everyone tested negative. We wear masks when we aren’t on the field. We get our temperatures taken before every practice, so I think we are pretty safe. I’m really happy for the seniors who’ve been working hard all pre-season and I hope they all succeed. [For our games this year] we are only allowed two visitors per person, and we have passes for that. Our equipment is sanitized after every practice. I think it [in-person games] will motivate us to see how we compare against other schools to demonstrate how hard we’ve been working. There have been times where there has been no moral and now in reality, that we’re able to play, we are lucky to do that. Everyone is really excited and no one is disappointed,” varsity football player junior Tyler Nowicki said.
“The safety protocols could be better. We don’t wear masks under our helmets, trying to fit stuff underneath it doesn’t fit. Right now we show up to practice with masks, take them off when we are playing and then put them back on after we get off the field. The equipment is also sanitized after every practice. As long as cases aren’t going up and that was aren’t turning a blind eye to anything it should be ok, but if cases start to rise again, it’s not a good time to return. I like playing football, I have grandparents at home, everyone is getting vaccinated, but still, it’s really scary. I don’t want to put my grandma at risk. For spectators, it’s two people per player. I think that there is a high chance of people getting COVID-19 because of close contact. Everyone does get tested before games. Everyone is really hyped up for the games, and they’re happy to have a season,” junior varsity football player sophomore Max Smith said.
“ I do plan on returning to in-person sports because I have a passion for volleyball and want to be able to have a final season for our last year of high school. I feel as if the school district has done a great job with the rules and protocols for safety, and regulations that allow us to return. I am very excited that everyone is getting back to the sports they love, and being able to enjoy them once again. This year the games are going to be different because I think we are going to have to play in masks, which I am all for if it means we get back to playing. It’s definitely going to be an adjustment for lots of the guys including myself, but it’s just another thing we will adapt to quickly. I think returning to in-person games will affect our team environment in a good way because lots of us haven’t seen each other in many months, and based on our previous practices, they were always a positive environment. Full of fun, hard work, and dedication. I think the rest of my team is very excited to get back on the court and enjoy the rest of our high school volleyball careers together,” boys volleyball captain senior Kailer Wesley said.
“I am planning on returning to in-person sports because I miss being able to play with my teammates. I also miss the competition. I support the safety protocols because it allows us to still play. I also understand that they are there for our safety and help to stop the spread of the virus. The faster the virus disappears the more we can start playing normally. I am happy that athletes are able to return to in-person training and games because it gives a sense of normalcy. While there might be some changes the to game, people can still get out and play the game love. I know that only some sports have started again and so far it has only been outdoor sports, along with CIF being canceled for almost all of the fall indoor sports. Almost all sportspeople are obligated to wear masks and maintain social distance. For girls’ volleyball, our CIF got canceled which is disappointing. I believe that once we are able to return to the court, there will be more excitement in being able to play again. There will be a new type of energy on the court. I believe that my team is anxiously waiting until we are able to get back into the court and play again. Once we are able to come back, there will be a new energy in the court and they will try to make them more of the time we have this year,” varsity volleyball player sophomore Talia Lemmons said.
“I do plan on returning to in-person sports because I enjoy to train and compete with my teammates I feel that the safety protocols are adequate for outdoor sports because we have a lot more room to train and to maintain social distance, unlike indoor sports. I feel very glad that athletes can return to in-person training and games so that they can enjoy their sport with their team. This year’s games are different than last year’s because although the competition is still there, there isn’t as much energy coming from the spectators since it’s very limited. I think that returning to in-person games will have less energy or hype since social distance will limit team bonding. The rest of my team is very excited to be able to compete again since last season got canceled,” varsity track and field runner junior Lucas Le said.
“Swim season has already started and we have been practicing for almost a month now. The safety protocols at FV are pretty good. Having to wear mask 24/7 until we have to go into the water. It’s definitely safe and I feel safe to swim with FV. This year’s games will be different because parents will no longer be able to cheer on the athlete on the pool deck. Teammates are also no longer crowded together to cheer for their fellow teammates as well. I believe that returning in-person will affect the team environment positively because it allows everyone to know each other. Being on zoom, we don’t get to become familiar with our fellow teammates. While in-person we are able to create lasting bonds that will create a close-knitted team. I believe the rest of the team is excited to be back and training for the new season. Although it may be very different from the previous year I’m sure all the older kids will have just as much fun as they did before,” varsity swimmer freshman Ryli Sotakoun said.
