The outlook for the spring sports season took another blow last Thursday.
In response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, Gov. Brian Kemp extended the closure of all Georgia public schools through April 24.
Spring coaches at Gilmer High School had their seasons suspended March 13, which marked the final day classes were in session.
Over the previous two weeks, coaches have juggled the task of keeping their players prepared for a possible return, which has taken a back seat to ensuring they are safe, healthy and receiving everything they need during this uncertain time.
Bobcat and Lady Cat soccer just started their region slate and both earned wins.
“My big concern at this point is not keeping my players skills sharp or even making sure that they are conditioning, it is making sure they are safe, well and have everything they and their families need,” said coach Simon Phipps.
“I had a great group of boys and we had just started to turn things around, and we were going to finish at least third in region and maybe even better. I had a group of seniors who had played for me for four years and this was their last shot. I am sad for them, and I am heartbroken for all of the players.”
The boys and girls programs work closely with each other as coaching staffs share resources and ideas. While players have been encouraged to work on their own, they must do so safely.
“As for workouts for our athletes, we have to be very careful with what we encourage due to the social distancing policies,” coach April Nicholson said. “We have encouraged our athletes to work individually on ball-handling skills and cardio, but we have to remind them they are not allowed on school grounds to practice together.
“It is certainly a very difficult time, and it makes the rainy weather woes a month ago pale in comparison to what we are seeing now.”
Track coach Josh Snider has used phone applications and Google Classroom to keep in touch with athletes. The Lady Cats are the two-time defending region champions and were poised to make another title run based on early meet results.
The Bobcats were making strides with their sights set on improving their region standing. Through the early weeks of the season, Bobcat and Lady Cat runners, throwers and jumpers were setting new personal best marks.
“It is very difficult for our seniors considering their season has been shortened, and we are hopeful that it will continue,” Snider said. “At this time, we know that safety is the biggest concern for all of our athletes but it is still difficult.
“We’ve still been trying to stay in shape and are hopeful that the season will continue, but again, safety is the No. 1 priority for our athletes. Our country is faced with difficult decisions on a daily basis in regard to this pandemic, and we hope it will all end sooner than later. We have amazing athletes and coaches (Brooke Berry, Lauren Gonzalez, Trey Rickman and Neil Ellis), and I’m blessed to work with them.”
Tennis and baseball have used online resources to keep players sharp during the break. Bobcat tennis is coming off two consecutive region championships, had a 5-0 record and ready to win region once more.
The Lady Cats were region runners-up over the previous three seasons and also began the year undefeated at 5-0.
“I asked them to look to the web for tennis videos and drills that will give them more knowledge of the game. There are training videos on every aspect,” coach Donna Parks said.
“My biggest concern during this time off is that we will not get to finish our season at all. I hate to see what should have been another great region placement for us go unfinished, especially for our seniors. With that being said, we cannot put the health of the students or anybody in jeopardy just to get the season finished.”
Bobcat baseball struggled through the first half of its schedule as it broke in a nearly brand new varsity roster while dealing with injuries that sidelined four starters. GHS posted a 3-10 record and it snapped a six-game losing streak the last time it took the field before games were halted.
Coach Jeff Thurman has kept up with players via texts and pointed them toward baseball drills online.
He reiterated the message of his fellow coaches and hopes athletes are keeping pace off the field as well.
“My biggest concern right now is for our seniors Sam Davis, Jace McClure, Zack Miller, Tyler Wright and Levi Marshall and for this 2020 team to have some kind of conclusion to this season,” Thurman said.
“My heart especially goes out to our seniors, and I am very proud of how far they have come in their four years spent in our baseball program. They will for sure remember this season for the rest of their lives, and I hope they have an opportunity to lace up their cleats at least one more time as a Gilmer Bobcat.”
He added, “But it seems inevitable at this point that a major change in scheduling for spring sports would have to take place in order to continue having contests. Only time will tell, but mostly I hope that our athletes are staying safe, healthy and keeping up with their academic work.”
In the Georgia High School Association’s latest press release March 26, executive director Robin Hines said the GHSA will follow Kemp’s edict and all practices and contests remain suspended until at least April 24.