For most Bronx Science students, the Coronavirus pandemic and the necessity of quarantine has been a disappointing end to the school year. For spring athletes, this disappointment has been amplified, as they have missed out on playing a sport that they love with a team atmosphere that they cherish. 

As of March 13, 2020, all PSAL athletics have been suspended, due to COVID-19. This suspension means that spring athletes who are seniors will never have another chance to play high school sports at a competitive level, as many will never have the opportunity to participate in these sports during their college careers. 

Under quarantine, the lack of space and time has made any type of training difficult for athletes. “It’s hard [to develop your skills] when you’re stuck at home and have other responsibilities, but I’ve tried my best with what I have available. I’m lucky that I have a yard and other areas to throw and hit. Some of my teammates live in apartments where it’s hard for them to do anything,” said Noah Bushlow ’20, a member of the Bronx Science Boys’ Varsity Baseball team.

“I’ve been getting a lot of homework and classwork which takes time to keep on top of. I also have chores and things like taking care of my siblings that I also have to do, which sometimes makes training less than my main priority,” said Bushlow. 

“I have been communicating with my college coach about workouts, and I have been hitting, throwing, and running in my backyard to prepare for college baseball,” said Patrick Donohoe ’20, member of the Bronx Science Boys’ Varsity Baseball team and a Fall 2020 Caltech baseball recruit. Donohoe is one of the lucky few who is able to continue to play in college. This has only furthered the importance of his current training, as he will actually be playing competitively in the fall. 

Still, other senior athletes like Bushlow who have just missed their last chance to play their sport have also kept up with their team workouts and other methods of training. “To stay in shape, I’ve kept up with the workouts that our coach has assigned to us. Sometimes I’ll go outside and throw with my brother in order to keep my arm ready,” said Bushlow.

Athletes have used their spring sport to cope with the struggle of being constantly cooped up in their homes. “Having a routine where I’m able to practice a sport that I love has helped me to keep my sanity. While I know that the Spring PSAL sports will not return [this year], it’s something that has kept me going. This was supposed to be my senior season, one for which I had high expectations, but I’m incredibly grateful for the great athletics experience that I’ve already had, regardless,” said Bushlow. 

Our school’s athletes are incredibly dedicated when school is in session, devoting dozens of hours a week toward their chosen sports, even in the face of other extracurriculars and homework. This dedication has continued, even with their seasons canceled, as their love for their sports transcends even the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Having a routine where I’m able to practice a sport that I love has helped me to keep my sanity. While I know that the Spring PSAL sports will not return [this year], it’s something that has kept me going. This was supposed to be my senior season, one for which I had high expectations, but I’m incredibly grateful for the great athletics experience that I’ve already had, regardless,” said Noah Bushlow ’20.