HoCo Covid Changes; Student Athletes
Violet Maccherone '24 Staff Writer
Over this past year, the world was hit with a global pandemic, COVID-19. Howard County has made changes in response to the state and federal mandates, as well as CDC guidelines. In the past few months, the Board of Education opened schools and allowed school sports. This return to sports within pandemic guidelines has resulted in some adjustments for Howard’s student athletes.
Many Howard High sports teams have been hosting captain practices, in-season practices and games. The softball team has created a safe environment for the players at these practices. In the dugout and while doing drills, players have to wear a mask; however, during gameplay, they do not, which makes sense. Softball is a low contact sport and the majority of the positions are spread out. Three players are allowed at each drill station and have to remain 6 feet apart. However, the rules for each sport’s practice depend on the coach. All coaches are required to enforce the basic precautions, such as social distancing and wearing masks, but have the power to apply more restrictions. For example, the baseball team has to wear a mask all the time except for during conditioning. They are not allowed to chew gum or eat sunflower seeds; a major part of baseball culture. Eleni Perrus, a JV Volleyball player at Howard, believes that Howard County’s approach is keeping the players safe. She says that she feels safe “due to the fact that they clean the gym before and after practice and in between every game.” Perrus has attended games, captain practices and in-season practices, and felt safe. Howard County is creating a great environment for the athletes to feel safe. Overall, the practices and games held by Howard County and Howard High allow the majority of students-athletes to succeed in a safe environment. |
Columbia, Maryland march-April 2021
Howard athletes during gameplay Pictures from @howard_vball on Instagram and @hohslionsden on Instagram |