This fall athletic season was unlike any other in Tualatin’s history. Teams started off with shortened practices in smaller group settings, and gradually progressed to full-team practices as games were just around the corner. Masks had to be worn in every practice or game affiliated with the school, and daily surveys made it safe for an athlete to play by checking for any symptoms of COVID-19. 

Despite the unfamiliarity of it all, these teams still got it done amidst their five-week season. 

The girls’ volleyball team finished 7-3 in league play. Kylie Zralka, a powerful outside hitter and middle blocker, committed to Carroll College in the early fall. Zralka was a senior on the team with tremendous presence on the court due to her size and ability. Junior Sophie Biehler filled a leadership role for the Wolves as their libero, always quick on her feet and the dominant source of energy for her team. 

Girls’ soccer played some tough competition, but their enthusiastic spirit never wavered, resulting in some great victories later on. 

Sophomore Avery Porter admitted, “COVID made it difficult for us to get together, so we never really got to know each other off the field, which is super important with a team.” She then went on to say, “We overcame this towards the end of the season to get a few wins to finish it off. Our team really focused on going out there and having fun, which made all the difference.”

The boys’ soccer team finished league with a 4-1-1 record. They have a roster filled with talented players. A standout is forward Emmanuel Mayares, who just completed his final year of high school soccer. Another forward with a few years ahead of him is Remus Repcak. 

The football team has won four of their last games, with their rival, Tigard, being the most recent. They started off on a shaky foot against a top-ranked West Linn team but have made tremendous strides since then. Lots of young talent stems from quarterback Jackson Jones and running back Malik Ross, among others.

The girls’ and boys’ cross country team have had one of the hardest tasks in wearing masks throughout their races. 

Sophomore Claire Roach reflected on the impact of wearing masks all season.

“I think that the cross country team had an incredible year, even with all of the craziness. In a way, racing with masks showed how talented and dedicated our team is. It’s going to be fun to see everyone’s hard work really pay off next year!”

With the fall season wrapping up, winter sports have begun training and are looking to make the most of the season they have been given during these unprecedented times.