By Kate Fishbone ‘22, Sports Writer

For the last few months, the world has been combatting coronavirus, and at this point, everyone has heard of the virus and the damage it is doing around the world. As this aggressive pandemic spreads across the globe, sports everywhere are being affected. 

Similar to the professional leagues, all spring sports at Newark Academy have been suspended as of right now. What was supposed to be an exciting and action-packed spring for NA athletes is at a standstill. All spring break trips were canceled, and there is currently no team practice or competition. Despite the circumstances, all teams remain connected. They are making the best of the situation and continuing to put in work. 

To keep athletes in shape, Coach Youthser has been providing daily at-home workouts. Although the teams cannot currently practice, players are staying in shape for the return. these workouts, found on the @na_minutemen Instagram account, are keeping athletes focused and connected. In addition, Coach Youthser is joining team calls to answer any questions and keep them updated with the workouts. Multiple challenges, like the game face challenge and coach throwbacks, have also kept teams engaged online. All teams can participate themselves while also looking at responses from other teams. During such an unprecedented time, the creativity of NA’s sports teams is really visible, allowing for all sports to remain connected, not just individual teams. 

Along with Youthser’s workouts, teams have been making individual plans to stay in shape and keep technical skills sharp. For example, the girls’ lacrosse team has an Instagram for everyone to post their runs, workouts, and stick skills to keep each other motivated. There is also a spreadsheet where they can track reps for different stick skills. The golf team has also been staying sharp. With daily golf videos and challenges to try, the team has been keeping busy. 

Zoom is not only used for classes, but for teams as well. Canceled spring break trips and a postponed season make it very difficult for teams to bond the way they would have if together. All teams have been meeting together on Zoom to catch up and go over details about what to do while quarantined. Usually during the time slot when practice would be, teams are making an effort to see each other in order to keep team morale high. Although they cannot be together in person, spring teams are doing everything they can to continue to see each other virtually.

In times like these, it takes dedication and innovation from both players and coaches. It is difficult to find the motivation and mental strength to keep training and playing, but the teams at NA are doing everything they can to remain hopeful and ready to play when they can return to the field.