Local sports complexes that largely remained empty over the last six months were abuzz with activity last week as high school athletes were able to practice for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down interscholastic sports in March. For the student-athletes slated to return to competition in the coming weeks, the chance to take the field was exhilarating, even if uncertainty still hangs over the fall sports schedule.
According to New York State and Section I guidelines, low-to-medium risk fall sp
Sullivan’s co-captains admit that due to the long layoff and without a true preseason—fall sports usually begin practices in mid-August—conditioning drills have been extra important during the first few days of practice.
Under the NYSPHSAA rules handed down in August, athletes must wear face coverings at all times on the field unless prohibited by a medical condition.
“Because we’re used to a preseason for soccer, it’s been a little bit harder to get in shape for the sport,” Alex Doukas said.
“The masks definitely play into it,” Ashley Toal added. “It makes it a lot harder for us to gain maximum capacity of breathing, so now, more than ever, fitness and conditioning are going to be important.”
Bronxville’s soccer season is set to kick off on Saturday, Oct. 10 when they host the annual Broncofest tournament that will feature teams from Pelham, Rye and Mamaroneck, as well as boys’ game against crosstown rival Tuckahoe.
But given the fact that coronavirus spikes could threaten the viability of the fall season at any time—several school district in Section I, including Yonkers, have already opted out of the fall schedule—girls’ head coach Don Cupertino said Bronxville will be honoring its senior athletes this weekend, just in case.
“You don’t want to think about that possibility, even in the back of your mind,” Cupertino said. “But this is such a special group. We wanted to do our senior day right away.”
Cupertino added that, despite the uncertainty, he’s just glad that his team will at least have a chance to compete this fall.
“After all the up and down, after all the not knowing what was going on, it’s great to finally come out here because there’s no better place in the world,” he said. “And I know these kids are enjoying themselves because they just had to get outside.”
