For decades, it has been a tradition for Germantown Academy students to play sports competitively and collaboratively. Covid-19 has plunged the world in a period of uncertainty; as restrictions and Covid cases rise by the day, the likelihood that sports can continue diminishes. Nevertheless, GA sports have persevered in the face of adversity. The Inter-Academic Athletic League, Heads of School, and Athletic Directors have effectively worked in conjunction with each other to formalize a winter sports plan that not only allows students to experience the best of high school athletics, but to do so safely.
As noted by Mr. Tim Ginter, the director of athletics, Germantown Academy “moved forward with an abbreviated, non-championship Winter Sports season”. Although this may put a damper on many athletes’ views towards their season, the fact that the Winter season can still continue in some capacity is viewed very positively.
The abbreviated winter season will begin on Feb. 1 2021 and conclude Feb. 28 2021. In addition, this season will be limited to league-only play. Highschool athletes are able to showcase their skills and condition their game for one month, and, similar to the fall season, strict guidelines will be in place to limit the number of spectators. There will also be changes in how athletes will be able to practice with each other; athletes are required to wear masks and keep distance with their peers with the exception of scrimmage and game-play. To ensure that Germantown Academy is able to remain open, student-athletes will be required to take weekly, random-sample testing. This plan is open for revisitation if a spike in cases were to occur or if trends worsen.
Coaches and trainers have set schedules for student-athletes this season that are similar to any other season. Intrasquad scrimmages have been implemented into daily practices with a mix of conditioning and strength training. The process of practicing varies between sports, but the common goal is that coaches will still be pushing athletes to their highest potential.
The highly anticipated winter season has been pushed back months from its normal time, but it will finally open its doors to the eager GA athletes. On Monday Feb. 1, the winter season is expected to start off in full swing, and teams will be able to compete and display their GA pride.