Athletics Continue through Fall Months

Athletics Continue through Fall Months

This is good for our bodies, our minds, and is ultimately rewarding just to get outside and play.” —Boys' Lacrosse Co-captain Jakob W. '21

Athletic practices continued this fall and winter as Upper School students resumed the tennis, lacrosse, track & field, and golf practices that were called off in March. Fall sports like soccer and volleyball were revived as well. Middle Schoolers got in the action, too, with soccer, track & field, and more.

“Practices have been going really well,” said senior girls' lacrosse co-captain Madison B. “I feel like we picked up right where we left off and I am super proud of everyone for following the COVID-19 rules and being careful, but also having fun at the same time.”

Students officially began training and conditioning last week, filling an athletics void from spring. Athletes and coaches now must wear masks during training sessions, which maintain small, stable cohorts of no more than 10 students. Middle School soccer and track and field also resumed practices in a limited capacity.

“Having athletics back has really improved my morale off the field,” said senior boys' lacrosse co-captain Luke M. “Having something to look forward to during the week has made the boring nature of this school year a lot easier to deal with. It also gives me hope for the future. It was really brutal to get our season canceled last year, so even the prospect of getting on the field for an OES lacrosse game is more than enough to keep me happy.”

It’s not just the health benefits of athletic activity that are great for students; it’s also about spending time as a team, togetherness that’s been lost during continuous learning.

“My favorite part about having athletics back is seeing and playing with all my teammates,” said senior girls' lacrosse co-captain Isabella P. “I think it’s important for students to have athletics right now because it provides a safe space for friends to see each other while also getting outside and doing something fun.”

Thank you to our athletic directors, Dennis Sullivan and Missy Smith, all of our coaches, our facilities team, and everyone in our community who are making the return to sports possible.

“I am grateful for the OES Athletic department for providing the opportunity for me and my teammates to safely practice our sport during these uncertain times,” said track and field athlete Maisam M. ‘22.

These "spring" practices, all voluntary and not required, are part of what the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) calls “Season 1,” which will run until December 27. As the plan stands now, winter season sports (“Season 2”) will run from December 28 to February 27, fall season sports (“Season 3”) from February 22 to May 2, and spring season sports (“Season 4”) from April 19 to June 22.