McLean’s return to sports

FAST FEET — Eric Mizusawa nears the finish line during a chilly out-of-season winter track practice on Nov. 18. The team continues to put in work despite not having any VHSL scheduled meets yet.

WINTER TRACK PREPS FOR COMPETITION

For the varsity winter track team, the biggest challenge that COVID has brought is managing the sheer size of the squad. To overcome these obstacles, the team cut down the number and size of practices held.

“They have made practice only two times a week when it used to be five, and only 10-12 people can go,” sophomore runner Cesar Rodriguez said.

McLean track has also taken several measures to limit contact between players and coaches, including having runners wear masks and wait in their cars until the scheduled practice time. Despite these safety precautions, the county is currently not allowing meets to be hosted. Even if the team is unable to compete in any official meets, runners are making the most of the situation.

“We just focus on getting the most out of it and staying in shape even though most likely there will be no season,” Rodriguez said.

If the track team is able to return to competition, athletes are looking forward to improving on years past.

“If we get to run, I will be looking forward to breaking my previous records in the mile [run] and the 800 [meter run] and winning relay races,” Rodriguez said.

WINTER SPORTS RETURN

JACK SHIELDS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BASKETBALL BOUNCES BACK

Normally one of the most exciting, fan-friendly sports at McLean, the empty bleachers will not create the same atmosphere in the main gym that the McLean basketball teams were accustomed to.

Coming off of relatively strong last seasons, the boys and girls varsity teams are looking to expand on their previous success. The boys are scheduled to play their first game at home against Chantilly High School on Dec. 21.

“I’ve been preparing for our first game by practicing on my own and soon will be with my team,” senior Nate Legg said. “I’m excited to get out and play, considering how long it has been since I last played because of COVID cancellations during summer.”

VHSL’s COVID-19 protocols for high school basketball games include eliminating the jump ball and frequently sanitizing the game ball.

SWIM TEAM DIVES INTO NEW YEAR

Although uncertainties remain surrounding the logistics of the upcoming swim and dive season, the team is as excited as ever. The team is prioritizing team unity as the official start of the season nears.

“We’re constantly throwing ideas out and we’re constantly coming up with ways that we can help make sure that the team feels united, and I’m really excited to have this energy,” junior Atticus Gore said.

Despite the team’s boosted morale, questions about the details of the upcoming season loom in the heads of team members and coaches alike.

“I’d say the biggest challenge that we’ve had so far is just the unknown,” Gore said. “We don’t know how big the team can be, or if we can have swim meets.”

Gore is confident that there are safe ways to compete this year.

“I’d say swimming is definitely one of those sports where we can find a way to make it work if the swimmers are able and willing to make it work and follow the procedures and guidelines put in place by the CDC and VHSL,” Gore said.

GYMNASTICS GEARS UP FOR NEW SEASON

The gymnastics team will face the challenge of easing gymnasts back into the sport as independent offseason training has been limited.

“Normally a lot of the preparation for the season comes from outside of the school at private gyms,” senior Amelia Zug said. “I think a lot of gymnasts are out of practice because their gyms have been closed, and they’re not getting as consistent training.”

The team will also have to prepare for VHSL rule changes that are intended to make competitions safer.

“Usually at meets there is a round of rotating timed warmups for each team on each event before competing,” Zug said. “This year, the meets will be limited to four teams per meet, and each team will compete immediately after their timed warmup so that there are less rotations.”

Although there are safety concerns about the viability of hosting competitions, the Highlander gymnastics team is ready to compete.

“The team is definitely excited for the possibility of having a season,” Zug said. “[We] know we have to work hard right off the bat.”