It’s Wednesday, October 7th at 4:45pm, and Fieldston’s athletic fields are eerily quiet. It’s a far cry from the same time a year ago, when the crunching of football pads, the thwump of kicked soccer balls, the crack of clashing field hockey sticks, and the drumbeat of cross country sneakers filled the air. Instead, the football team is huddling up in an entirely different way: they, like the rest of Fieldston’s fall sports teams, are using google meets to discuss strategy and even outline practices.
This week, teams began modified in-school practices, though roughly three-quarters of the players will stay remote. There will not be any games this fall but teams are preparing for next season. According to Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Gus Ornstein, “Given that we will not be playing any games this fall, the emphasis will be on developing technique as well as working on conditioning and strength development.”
Regarding the development of the young members through online practices, Mr. Coach Ornstein said, “The remote sessions have been excellent for the younger players to learn the playbook in a relaxed and non-pressure filled way. But I do think we are missing the important aspect of talking and reviewing the plays and then being able to go out on the field and working through what we just talked about in the meeting.”
Gus then added, “The workouts we are doing have been very effective and I have been impressed with the team’s commitment and dedication to our sessions. I am really looking forward to now seeing everyone on the field.”
Sophia Hoehler (V), a striker on girl’s varsity soccer, lamented the loss of the fall season. “We don’t really play soccer online. We tried to play soccer, but then it didn’t really work out because no one really had a ball or enough space, so now we just do fitness.” She explained how disheartening not being able to practice in person is, “I really like sports, so I feel like it’s a big part of school for me.”
Hoehler suggests tweaking the format a little to regain the camaraderie lost due to virtual practices. “I would have captain practices so the team can bond a little more, because even though we are not playing, it’s still fun to get to know the girls in the grade above or several grades above.” Hoehler also praised her coaches saying, “Our coaches keep us really motivated. It’s fun to go into practice. It’s something to look forward to.”
Ben Shulman (V), a member of boy’s soccer, addressed the challenge of practicing soccer within the confines of his home. “It’s very difficult to practice the sport, but one benefit is that since we are not practicing in person, we feel a lot more inclined to go out and practice on our own. It’s definitely incentivized me to go and play on my own, instead of relying on the school practices.” Shulman also remarked that he would not change practice in any way. “I like how it’s going, I can’t really think of any way to improve it dramatically. We are in a pretty negative situation.”
Jala Atkinson (V), a setter on girl’s varsity volleyball described online practices as “weird at the start of the year, but I have now gotten used to it. We mostly only did workouts, and nothing with balls so it’s pretty sad that we couldn’t practice in person, and not knowing when we would be able to practice as a team was the worst. I think they are useful to keep us in shape although we haven’t played our sport we are still working hard for an hour each day from home which I think is equally as important. It is also useful so the team can stay in contact through these times, and not just become complete strangers to each other.”
Billy Hort (V), quarterback on boy’s varsity football, sees the advantages of virtual practices. “The mental aspect of football is something we sometimes forget exists, which is something virtual practice has let us improve on. We may not have had a physical season this year but that doesn’t mean we can’t use the time to improve and get better.” He’s hoping there will be games in the spring. “To be Fieldston’s quarterback has been a dream of mine since I first arrived on campus 12 years ago. Knowing that I can be the quarterback next year has only encouraged me to work harder on and off the field and be a leader for our team.”
Senior Joshua Thomas (VI), another member of boy’s varsity football, explained what motivates him to come to practice every day. “When I was a lower classman, to see people who were injured and would still show up to practices and still you know give the younger guys tips and be there throughout that process. So I kinda feel like I have to pass down that same torch and show these younger guys something to look up to that even though I’m not getting my season.” His advice for incoming freshmen underscores the team’s comradery: “if you get the point across to yourself that this sport matters and this team matters, then you can not only uplift yourself, but teammates around you.”
At 5:00 p.m., coaches say goodbye to their team and players log off from their virtual practice. They leave not knowing what the future will hold for their sport. Seniors are uncertain if they will ever wear their uniforms again. Hopefully, fall sports can compete in the spring so seniors can get the final hurrah they deserve.
