Extracurriculars and the virus

Seniors have virtually had their last year of high school been completely put on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Students across the state will not be back in school until at least March 27, with a very strong possibility of that timeline being extended into a period of “distance learning.” Their uncertainty and disappointment has certainly been compounded by the fact that all Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) sanctioned activities have ceased to be held until April 6 at the absolute earliest. Speech, robotics, softball, baseball, track and field, and any other extracurriculars one can think of have all been grounded to a screeching halt.
Cannon Falls High School junior, Nate Harmsen finds it easy to sympathize with the senior class because he is faced with the prospect of missing out on his last spring and summer season of competitive club soccer through Hastings Futbol Club, as he would age out of the u18 team come next year. The club, as well as the organization in which it plays, Twin Cities Soccer Leagues, although both unaffiliated with the MSHSL, have both released their own statements, putting all activity on hold until March 29 and March 22, respectively. At first glance, these measures don’t seem to be overly stringent, but it is hard to envision practices and games recommencing any time in the foreseeable future, as the virus outbreak has yet to reach full stride here in Minnesota. Harmsen, albeit concerned he may never put on another jersey for Hastings Futbol Club, feels the steps taken have been made in the best interest of the players. “I get why they are doing this, but it still hurts when you think about maybe never playing travelling soccer again,” he shared.
High schoolers, especially seniors, will be hoping that the Covid-19 outbreak can be dealt with and gotten under control in short order, so they can not only get back in the classroom, but back to participating in the extracurriculars that are such an important part of their lives. The students who will begin the next chapter of their lives, after receiving their diplomas in a few months, would relish the opportunity to close this chapter of their lives first, by speaking in front of one more audience, being back in the robotics arena, back on the track, or lining up to take the field one last time.