COVID-19 has been a persistent and dangerous factor this 2020 fall season, and teams have done what they can to continue the season with safety at the forefront of their minds. All athletes are doing their part to stay as safe as possible amidst these foreign and threatening conditions.

   With the threat of COVID, the continuation of this athletic fall season has come with a plethora of concerns. 

   Elizabeth Potterf is a junior on the girls volleyball team this year.  “We [Westerville North] don’t even have enough funding to afford multiple buses to ensure social distancing in a confined space.

    “High School sports are not worth risking your community’s health and safety,” Potterf added.

   Other athletes have been taking a more positive outlook on the continuation of this season. Due to major changes in how practices are held, they think a safe season is possible for North. 

    Kelsey Schmitt, is a tennis player at North this year. “I  believe that our coaches and school have done a very good job with the covid restrictions, and I believe that we will be able to play through this whole season safely,” Schmitt said.

   These restrictions aren’t solely for tennis, they exist across all teams this season, 

   Katie Rubadue is a senior this year and a veteran member of the cheer team.  

   “We can’t practice all together like we normally would, we have to split up so each team practices at a different time. We have temperature checks and hand sanitizer at the beginning of each practice and we must wear a mask at all times possible,” Rubadue said.

   As the fall season  moves forward, the hard work of the athletic teams is greatly appreciated. While the continuation and completion of the fall sports seasons is still up in the air, one thing remains certain, and that is the diligence and effort put forth by both coaches and players.