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The Coronavirus pandemic paused high school athletics from 2020 and into early to mid-2021. As of late September 2021, fall sports started up for students, and after-school practices and games are happening. However, it has not been easy for this moment to happen. Various protocols and safety precautions are being taken. Michael Ban, Maui High’s Athletic Director, sent out an email regarding the protocols which state, “in order to participate and attend practice, the student-athlete must be fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Those that have a DOE approved medical and religious exemption may participate as long as they fulfill the DOE Civil Right Compliance Branch accommodation. If the student-athlete is not fully vaccinated or did not receive a DOE approved medical and religious exemption, he/she can not attend the practices. Wearing a mask is required when NOT engaged in vigorous activity. For example, the locker room, walking to and from the practice site, or while waiting for a ride. They also have to complete their daily wellness check and QR codes are located at practice sites. Lastly, they have to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after practice.”
In spite of the barriers that COVID-19 has placed on all of us, how do the student-athletes feel about starting back up?
When Evan Tarasenko, a sophomore who is a quarterback on Maui High’s Football team, first heard the news about fall sports being postponed in August, he was devastated. With fall sports being back, Tarasenko is genuinely exhilarated and feels prepared for this moment. Relieved that fall sports are opening up again for student-athletes here in Hawaii as it brings opportunities, Tarasenko claims, “I cannot imagine my life without football. It gives us athletes a way out and a chance to pay for college. I am very thankful as it means a lot to me that sports and football are back.”
Tarasenko adds that it has been a journey for him since an abundance of his time and effort have been spent preparing for a football game. Tarasenko’s outlook for this season is one thing and one thing only: a state title. He states, “This year, I feel that there is a lot of talent on this roster, and I feel that we can go very far together.”
Jezziel Altura, a junior who plays for Maui High’s Girls Volleyball, states, “I am super excited about sports being opened up again because we sadly missed a whole year without sports, and it feels great to be back again! I feel so hyped about volleyball starting up again. I love playing for Maui High, and it’s always a great time playing with the girls. My goal is to have an amazing season whether we win or lose.”
Jared Cantere, a senior in Maui High’s Boys Cross Country team, is also eager for what is to come for fall sports. “I feel happy that the season is now open but sad that it is shorter than the usual season,” Cantere admitted. Although having a short season, Cantere’s goal is to break some fast times for cross country.
Achea-Lani Barcoma-Suyat, a junior and only returnee on the Girls Bowling Team, is thrilled that sports have opened back up again. “I have been met with a lot of new faces since bowling has started back up again. It has been hard to teach everything I know when I’m still trying to get back into the swing of things. Despite having a whole new team, our goal is to go to states this year,” Barcoma-Suyat states.
Overall, the student-athletes have yearned for fall sports to return and are motivated to do their best this season. A special thanks to everyone who has made fall sports possible and coaches enduring the pause due to COVID-19. Achea adds, “It's not perfect, but at least we are starting. I think we should thank those who fight to keep us safe and also to get us back out there cause both are important and I know it takes a lot of work to make things happen. I think it is time. We need to be as safe as we can but we need to get back out there and play the game and compete and live our lives.”
Writer’s note: Much appreciation to Michael Ban, Maui High’s Athletic Director, for his hard work to support student-athletes and coaches. Wishing all student-athletes success and to have fun this fall season. Go Sabers!