The spring season was less than a week old when the order came to cease practices and go into a holding pattern. Huntington High School athletes have been playing a waiting game ever since.
The Blue Devils are hoping a miracle happens and the COVID-19 pandemic abates, schools are reopened and the season resumes. But the coaches and athletes are also realists and they understand that with each passing day and the peak of the virus still thought to be weeks away it looks doubtful that games will be played anytime soon.
The group also realizes that hundreds of thousands of people are fighting for their lives across the globe, including right here in Huntington, many have succumbed to the virus and millions have lost their jobs, at least temporarily. So being asked to sit on the sidelines while the world waits for the pandemic to end seems like a minor sacrifice by comparison.
“I have many emotions about the season being on hold right now,” junior Jordan Forte said. “It is very hard, especially the fact that we have been waiting for this season for so many years. I am trying to stay positive and understand that this is an important time to stay safe. Every morning, I am getting up and running and then working on my shooting and stick skills so I’m ready for when our season hopefully resumes. This is no time to sit back. It’s the perfect opportunity to get better. I am hoping we have the opportunity to get a few games in, especially for our seniors who have put in so much time and work into this program.”
The athletes are dealing with a range of emotions. “Initially I was devastated with the decision for the season to be put on a hold and thought it was too soon to postpone,” junior Jack Krisch said. “But as I started to understand the gravity of the situation, it is best for the long run and hopefully we will be able to make up the time we’ve lost. I really hope the team will be able to start playing again. With the seniors and the roster we have this year, everyone was looking forward to a very good season and going deep into the playoffs. Coach [Julian] Watts made it known to the team that now is not the time to sit and relax, but to put more work in on our own. To stay ready, I have been running, working on my agility and keeping my stick work in proper form by doing wall ball and shooting.”
State track champion Justin Stevens is also training as best he can. “For now, I’m going on runs around my neighborhood and getting workouts in around the house,” the senior said. “It’s not ideal, but as athletes we have to make the best of the situation we’ve been given.”
The Blue Devil baseball team was expected to reach the playoffs this spring, but now that goal is on hold, too. “While I know that everything going on is necessary, it’s frustrating to watch our whole team work so hard this winter to prepare for the season and then have it be put on hold and potentially cancelled,” junior Kyle Colelluori said. “Everyone is really hoping we have a chance to play this spring. To stay ready, I have been doing my best to keep hitting and pitching in my backyard.”
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association and Section XI are still waiting to see if classes resume before officially calling off the spring season.
“The whole situation is terrible and all seniors want one more shot to represent Huntington on the field,” said senior Aedan McDonald, who was expected start in goal for the boys’ lacrosse team. “In case we do continue the season I’ve been at home working out and doing drills in my backyard.”
While the players are working out at home, they say that doesn’t compare to an official practice. “It’s said,” senior softball player Isabella Toscano said. “People like myself who aren’t going on to play at the next level only have high school sports. With it being our last season, we won’t get to make these memories or partake in the traditions of senior year. It’s heartbreaking. At home, I still have a catch and take ground balls, but it’s not the same as it would be practicing with my team.”
The Huntington athletes understand the gravity of the situation. “It’s really sad that our senior season was interrupted like this, but there is no question that it had to be done,” senior lacrosse player Billy Burton said. “Canceling the season allows the players to do their part and social distance from one another to slow the spread of COVID-19. I think it’s really sad, but in the end the future of our society matters over anything else. To stay fit I am just doing push-ups and running occasionally to try and stay in shape the best I can.”
Most of the players and coaches are still hoping for a breakthrough with the pandemic. “Being a senior this year it’s devastating to think I might never put on a Huntington uniform again,” lacrosse star Abby Maichin said. “With positive thoughts on our season happening, I’ve been running at least three to four times a week. I’ve been shooting and doing wall ball every day. And where I go to training has written me a program to do at home for strength purposes. Thinking positive.”
