Students athletes are still focused on building life skills during this pandemic.
They’re actually playing. Inside look at first Williamsburg Bay Rivers football game during pandemic. Schools across the Virginia state began to provide answers on the opening week of play with the first high school athletic contests since the COVID-19 shutdown. The Warhill Lions hosted Bruton High Panthers February 25, 2021, at Wanner Stadium in Williamsburg, Virginia amid the coronavirus pandemic. Precautions like health screenings, social distancing, and masks were in place at the game. The return of football under the lights brought a sense of normalcy. The Lion’s won their season opener, 50-0 over the Panthers. On the field, players celebrated their first touchdown of the season with elaborate handshakes and high-fives.
In light of the ongoing pandemic, public high school sports organizations continue to monitor and update plans for the 2020-2021 academic/athletic year. But many of these young people have been cooped up for so many months, can’t go anywhere, and see their friends. I’m sure it means a lot to them to be out there. Team play teaches that one is strong, but together everyone is stronger. The lessons learned in athletics combined with the knowledge that student-athletes must do well in school to participate, motivates their persistence and drive for success. The coaching staff teaches them to be committed, reliable and dependable. They must work to get results. It helps get them ready to work hard at their future jobs after high school/ college. Players on both sides were happy to experience a slight sense of normalcy during this pandemic. They also hope it lasts for a full season. Football was back, even if it was a little different in these pandemic times. From the sidelines to the stands, the games will be very different – but are still sparking excitement. It’s just a good opportunity, even though we’re supposed to be social distancing. It’s just good to be back outside seeing sports. Athletes can compete with their community friends again. It’s just a good opportunity to socialize even at a distance.