When COVID-19 hit in March of 2020, everyone’s world came to an abrupt stop: a nationwide lockdown was ordered, in-person schools were shut down and sports were cancelled until further notice. Looking back nearly a year later, how has quarantine changed the atmosphere around high school sports?

Sporting events are a tremendous way to bring a community together. They give individuals the opportunity to root for a similar cause and be a part of something bigger than themselves. Now more than ever, students are looking to rally around a team. 

Junior Ella Needleman spoke on the effects of online school without sports.

“The level of community without in-person school and without sporting events has declined tremendously,” Needleman said.

Fall sports were given the green light to start practicing Monday, Feb. 8, with games starting Friday, Mar. 5. Football always has a huge turnout of not only students but parents, teachers and other members of the community. Themes are created for each game where diverse individuals dress in unison to socialize with their peers and take pride in cheering on their classmates. With the COVID guidelines put in place by Gov. Kate Brown, there will be limited opportunities for socialization, but the games are something to look forward to nonetheless.

Assistant girls’ varsity basketball coach at Tualatin High School Ben Sherman shared his thoughts on teams adjusting to the possibility of having no spectators.

“I think fans will eventually be allowed to attend games,” Sherman explained. “The NFL played most of the season without fans. It’s weird, but you adjust. Competition quickly takes over.” 

It is clear the impact COVID-19 has had on high school sports has dimmed school spirit, but with the fall seasons kicking off, a change might just be on the horizon.