The varsity football team is suffering mentally and physically due to being quarantined. The team’s sequestration stems from a COVID-19 outbreak within the squad likely occurring around September 29.
The student-athletes, coaches, and players’ parents are getting restless as they plan to resume practice and competition soon.
“I feel excited players can get back into playing sports after their quarantine, but I do have anxiety worrying about the spread of COVID-19 and the social distancing while playing the game with other school sports teams,” said Teresa LaSalle, a recreation sports and health teacher.
The unexpected outbreak of the unwelcome COVID-19 infliction spread rapidly and reached many of the pigskin players right before a big game on October 2 against Combs High School in San Tan Valley, Arizona. A source close to the situation said multiple players tested positive while several other footballers were exposed to those infected. It remains unknown how many of the prep athletes contracted the virus as the school does not release this information in accordance with HIPPA (Health Information & Patient Privacy Act) restrictions. Team members were required to quarantine in their homes. This seclusion has had rippling effects and unwanted consequences to the players’ physical as well as emotional well-being. Many say they are tired of the isolation.
“While I was quarantined for COVID-19 over the summer, I felt like I lost a lot of muscle and I was often bored as I wasn’t able to condition much with my team. I can only imagine what it is going to be like when we all come back with having a two week break,” said Declan Phillips, a junior varsity player.
Phillips’ sentiments were not exclusive. Nearly all of the players removed from access to the school and practice fields are enduring stress and alienation while they recover.
Athletes and teammates believe it will be a smooth transition getting back into games and conditioning as they prepare to compete with other teams from schools that are permitting extracurricular activities such as football. The Falcons hope to pick up where they left off before they stepped out of their routines. Junior Varsity has had an intense amount of pressure to step into the spotlight and represent Cactus Shadows and the students’ collective spirit while varsity football has been disrupted.
“I believe the varsity football team’s communication skills and chemistry will lack in execution due to being isolated for so long from each other,” said Minnie Mollet, a junior varsity volleyball player.
Mollet, as well as many of her fellow students, are eager to see the varsity football team take the field again to show how we can all beat COVID-19 together.