Sports teams start practices with new regulations

PHOTO: On the Davis High turf field, lacrosse coach Jenn Morris observes an athlete, while both wear masks and stay six feet apart.

By Dahlia Kraus and Kate Sumner,

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

With new guidelines from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), several DHS sports teams began or resumed practices on Feb. 1. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) outlines specific COVID-19 sports modifications for each high school sport.

Softball players ground balls in a drill on Feb. 2, the first day of practice for the 2020-21 softball season. 

“I was very excited and eager to get back into it, since it’s been almost a full year since we played as a team,” softball player junior Carolena Morales said. 

“It was not a typical practice. We had to wear masks and social distance of course, and only five girls showed up because a lot of girls haven’t been cleared yet or they’re uncomfortable coming to practice because of COVID,” Morales said. DHS athletes must get athletic clearance before starting a school sport and are encouraged to get tested for COVID frequently.

At baseball practice, Joey Traverso swings in a hitting drill as James Benson and Luke Profaci wait for their turn. 

The team has been meeting for over a month, and will decide players’ positions soon.

Field hockey athletes complete drills on the DHS turf.

The field hockey team began practice a few months ago until it was shut down due to an increase in COVID cases. The team’s practices resumed on Monday. 

Field hockey senior Emma Bordios is still skeptical about having a season. “I love going to practice and hope we have games, but the cynical part of me is like it’s probably not going to happen.” 

Additionally, the team is struggling to recruit freshmen, especially during the pandemic.

Track and field athletes warm up on the DHS track on Monday. For pre-season, the track and field team has already been meeting twice a week, split into two 10-person pods. 

“It’s really nice being back at the track and getting on that grind. And I’m a pretty social person, so it’s nice being able to see people again,” Hackett said. However, Hackett finds that wearing a mask while sprinting at maximum speed impairs his performance. 

The DHS track and field season officially starts on March 1. 

For more information regarding DHS sports, visit the DHS athletes page.