The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (MIAA) board of directors voted April 24 to cancel the spring sports season, in accordance with Governor Charlie Baker’s decision April 21 to close schools for the remainder of the year.
“The coaching staff feel greatly for all of our athletes, particularly our seniors,” said athletic director Tom Giusti. “There is something special about the senior year, in terms of the memories.”
Giusti had already rearranged the spring schedule twice prior to the cancelation. “I was always trying to maintain some sense of hope,” he said.
Despite the crushing news, senior Lauren Miller, who plays softball, emphasized the value of her three year experience on the team. “I personally feel really lucky because I’ve been on varsity softball since freshman year, and I’ve been with many of the same people for a long time,” said Miller. “Obviously it would have been nice to close it out right, but there’s only so much that we can do.”
Miller added, the cancelation made her reconsider continuing her athletic career in college. “I was not planning on playing softball in college,” said Miller. “But after the season got cancelled, it felt like a sign to me that I should try to keep playing.”
Senior Theo Sox, who plays baseball, added that the cancelation was disappointing but not surprising. “We all knew it was coming, but it still hurts,” said Sox. “We spent the whole winter preparing because we wanted to go out with a bang just to have it taken away from us.”
According to Giusti all seniors who receive at least seven varsity letters will be awarded a plaque by the athletic department. “We feel their pain,” Giusti said. “So we wanted to bring some happiness, joy, and remembrance.”
According to Giusti, some coaches are already planning celebrations for their teams. A parade was held by Health and Wellness teacher Lauren Baugher, for her softball team Sunday, May 3. Giusti also added that the athletic department is working to plan something with the parents of seniors. “We’re just trying to turn this negative situation into a positive situation,” he said.
