Athletes look forward to their sports seasons all year long. They train, practice, and prepare, making sure they are at the top of their game in hopes of success. They work with coaches, trainers, and teammates, improving their abilities and creating a stronger team. 

This year, athletes trained for an unexpected season; a season that will go down in history. For many of the spring sports, tryouts had been held, teams had been formed, and bonding had begun. Entering a period of uncertainty, there was still hope that athletes would get a shot at the seasons they worked for. But, following the closing of all Illinois schools for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year, all spring sports were canceled. 

“I don’t get to see my second family,” said Richelle Abano, MCHS junior and badminton player. “These wonderful girls and coaches [that] come from different backgrounds of the school, providing me with new perspectives.” 

Despite not having the opportunity to see her teammates or pick up her racket, Abano has been making the most of her time during this stay at home order, having the ability to do more workouts on her own and occasionally watch videos on badminton techniques to help maintain her skills. She has also been able to spend more time focusing on school, staying in touch with friends, and her family.

“During the season there’s a lot happening all at once, so now that time has been relaxed, I’m taking more time just trying to enjoy and understand the material I am given,” said Abano. “I FaceTime my friends to catch up or watch movies, and I try to spend as much time as possible with my parents.” 

Many athletes live hectic lives during their season. With school all day, a long game or practice afterward, and then still having hours of homework, being home with endless free time has been an adjustment.  

For baseball player and MCHS junior Trevor Rockweiler, this time has been spent focusing on ways to stay motivated to do school work, keep in shape, and remember that we’re all going through this together. Rockweiler has spent time throwing with his dad and hitting off a tee. 

Without a season this year, Rockweiler has also found it difficult to not be around his team, especially the seniors who will be graduating. 

“I am going to miss the seniors most of all. These Seniors were great leaders, teammates, and friends,” said Rockweiler. “In the offseason, you bond like crazy with these guys so that by the season you aren’t just a team you are a family. These seniors will forever be family to me and they will all carry on and do great things.”

The seniors this year are facing many disappointments for the stay at home order. For many spring season athletes, missing this season has been one of the most difficult challenges. 

“The thing I am going to miss the most about this season is the potential we had to be really good,” said Jocelyn Currie, senior softball player. “After our first week of practice, I know we all felt confident in this team and each other. I am going to miss all the memories that would have been made this season, and also getting to play one last time for McHenry.”