Fall sports take an atypical approach

A look on changes to Northview’s fall sports season

Caleb Smith, Staff Writer, and Cameron Chappell, Staff Writer

Marching Band

Northview Marching Band continues playing on.

Photo by Eleanor Virag, Special

This year, the marching band has experienced many changes due to the pandemic. There have been major setbacks, causing them to shift the way their season is usually conducted. The band has had to learn to adapt to these changes and continues to strive for their goals amidst their struggles. 

“We lost half of our members due to the ongoing pandemic and were not able to rehearse during the summer so we will not have our show this year,” junior Andrew Park said.

Although the marching band has continued to face many obstacles, they plan to keep moving forward. Losing such a significant portion of their group has hit them hard, but they will continue to play as if nothing has changed. Even if it’s not how it used to be, they will keep showing passion for their music.

Cross Country

Cross country, which has already begun training, has also seen major changes.

Photo by Christian Dozier, Special

The cross country team has seen a few differences in the way things are going in comparison to last season when they were also impacted by the pandemic. Last year, they only experienced a bit of what sports would look like for the next year. This year, the team has had to normalize these changes, in order to maintain a great season. 

“We have to get our temperature checked and stay as spaced out as possible,” junior Jack Davis said. 

These changes can sometimes be tough, considering practices usually involve team members practicing nearby each other. It might be difficult for them to remember each new safety precaution, but over time, the team is glad to be able to participate. The team is still trying to figure out the best way to get through the season but is maintaining a positive mindset and a great attitude.

Football

Football, while somewhat different, has not seen drastic changes.

Photo by Jennifer Xia, Editor-in-Chief

The football team has maintained a consistent schedule regarding their practices. The pandemic has put a lot of pressure on all sports but football was lucky enough to only undergo minor changes. 

“We had practice throughout the summer just as normal, all we had to do was space out whenever not running plays,” junior Dylan Bell said.

The team has worked hard even through the pandemic and will continue to do so until it is over. “The circumstances we are all facing are not in favor of any other team, only the ones who choose to keep going,” Bell said. 

Northview’s football team has been through a lot the past few years, but their resilience shines through. The pandemic may be changing some of what they are used to, but the team will not let it control their chance at redemption.

Softball

Northview’s softball team continues to strive during their games.

Photo by Kelsea Moody, Special

Northview’s softball team is happy to get the opportunity to play this season despite the previous ambiguity of whether a season would even happen. Workouts started in May and tryouts in August. The team just finished their fifth game of 10 total, winning one. 

“We wear masks while on the sidelines and get our temperatures taken, but most things we do off the field are done individually,” sophomore Morning Boyd said. 

Although the team cannot fully connect as they would like to, they have found a way to bond and get to know each other better. The teammates would go to dinner afterward and reflect on their game.

“We do sister gifts and are paired up with a teammate and swap gifts,” Boyd said.

With only one senior this year, the team continues to practice and work on their skills on and off the field for the next years to come.  

Cheer

Training for cheer has been relatively similar, despite meets being delayed.

Photo by Jennifer Xia, Editor-in-Chief

The cheer team continues to bring positive energy to football games even while wearing a mask. The team is happy to have practices to see each other and become closer since there isn’t any other time everyone can come together like in the past. 

“The crowd atmosphere is great considering the time we’re in, but it is not normal and I’m glad my friends and family are allowed to come to support us,” senior Abbey Ammons said.

The sideline team would usually have competitions for varsity cheer at this time, but the start date was pushed back until this winter. 

Northview’s softball team experiences a shorter-than-usual season.

Photo by Eleanor Virag, Special

The volleyball team is set to have a shorter season this year than in previous years. To ensure this season is just as successful as the past, the girls have remained focused with the same competitive mindset they have always had. 

“Our coaches and team realized that we need to train harder to reach our goals this season since we had a shorter time frame to do so before matches started,” senior and team captain Mallory Free said. 

The original schedule planned for volleyball was pushed back and tryouts, conditioning, and workouts were delayed until July. Despite the changes made, the team has continued to work hard and stay safe by following social distancing guidelines.