by Brian Wiencek & Christopher Chung; Reporters, the Beat
AURORA – Waubonsie Valley student-athletes are doing their best to stay positive during the cancellation of the first part of their respective seasons.
Baseball was scheduled to go on a road trip to Jacksonville, Illinois, this weekend, for a round-robin tournament against three different teams, but that trip was canceled, along with nine other games to start the season.
“Our seniors are understandably concerned about the remainder of the season,” said Waubonsie Valley baseball head coach Bryan Acevedo. “They have lots of questions that unfortunately no one has the answers to right now. This group, in particular, has worked extremely hard in the offseason to get themselves ready for the season, and many players have a lot to prove. “
Girls soccer was scheduled to open their 2020 season on Monday, but the Warriors’ first five matches have all been officially canceled. Questions still remain for both players and coaches of whether spring sports will return, or be canceled for the remainder of the school year.
“To have this uncertainty is really hard,” said Waubonsie Valley senior girls soccer player Grace Setter. “We’re trying to stay positive and obviously hopeful. Especially for our seniors, it could be hard to think about just not having that season. But like I said, we’re trying to stay as positive as we can, keep working, stay fit, be hopeful”
Not only has it been difficult on the student-athletes, but it has also been taxing on the coaches.
“The hardest part for me is not being able to give them any answers,” said Acevedo. “Not knowing if or when our players will get an opportunity to have their effort pay off is tough. I am someone who likes to plan and be prepared and the uncertainty is tough. I am definitely missing the time with the guys and continuing to build those relationships.”
Setter is trying to keep a good perspective by looking at the big picture outside of athletics. “The most important thing is it’s not about us, but the health of the community,” said Setter. “Just knowing that we can’t take that risk, and that’s ultimately why everything is postponed right now.”