By Mason Archer, Sports Editor
// With the 2020-2021 school year now underway, the California Interscholastic Federation suspended all sports until Dec. 14. Despite the suspension of fall sports, the Acalanes High School Athletic Department plans to conduct camps for various sports during this suspension.
The Athletic Department is offering camps for each of the following sports: football, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, cheerleading, cross country, men’s basketball, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s water polo.
The Athletic Department continues to receive feedback from its participants as the Department provides opportunities for student-athletes to stay in shape during COVID-19 and distance learning,
“The turnout is strong. The Athletic Department has run up to 32 camps of 12 participants or less, and the feedback from the participants and their parents is very positive,” Athletic Director Randy Takahashi said. “Participation in school activities has been a very bright light in very dreary times.”
The camps are conducted after school hours so as to not interfere with students and their academic learning. Takahashi expressed that he is closely monitoring the situation and the planning of all sports camps.
“School has begun, so we are limited to Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., but I am very careful to create a schedule to meet everyone’s needs and provide for the safest environment within district guidelines,” Takahashi said.
In addition, Takahashi reported that the Athletic Department will closely follow and adhere to state, county, and district guidelines to ensure the safety of student-athletes and coaches.
“There are very strict state and county guidelines for these sports activities. The athletic directors in the district meet frequently to review current processes and determine any necessary adjustments,” Takahashi said.
While all student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in the camps to stay fit and keep their skills fresh, some prefer to train and stay in shape on their own.
“I’m not participating in the tennis camps being offered. I practice on my own by taking lessons at the Lafayette Tennis Club, playing with friends and family, and doing footwork drills at my house,” sophomore tennis player Luke Brightbill said.
Overall, many student-athletes who have chosen to participate in the camps being offered view them as a positive experience.
“The camps they’ve offered for water polo and other sports are really beneficial for student-athletes,” junior water polo player Kyle Rosenblatt said. “It allows us to not only stay in shape and see our teammates again but helps provide a positive environment during this pandemic.”