On August 8th, 2020, the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) announced that fall sports would be indefinitely postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Students on teams such as soccer, tennis and volleyball must wait while the PSAL determines the fate of the rest of the 2020-2021 season. In the meantime, Bronx Science’s student athletes must find ways to keep themselves active and to practice their sport even while social distancing and learning remotely. 

For Bronx Science teams, the early part of the school year is typically an opportunity to shake off all of the rust that comes with the offseason. This year, they are exploring more creative options, like team workouts through video platforms like Zoom or Google Meets. 

The concern, for some players however, is that a lack of in-person training will set them back in their attempts to reach certain athletic goals. Ben Golden ’22 is experiencing this feeling: “I recently played an exhibition game and felt that I was out of shape, so I made a commitment to myself to keep practicing and get back to my old form.” Golden, who has been practicing with his travel baseball team in a league outside of school, is only one of the many students making proactive efforts to play again.

Some members of the Varsity Lacrosse team, a spring team that had no opportunity to play in 2020, have taken it upon themselves to join an offseason league called “Ulax.” The league includes players from teams at other New York City high schools, such as Brooklyn Tech and Beacon. While the games will feature a number of new safety regulations, team member Anton Karp ’22 is excited to just get back on the field after nine long months. Karp has been practicing every day at a playground near his house, hitting the ball against the wall for at least an hour each day. “I want to make Mr. Allen proud,” said Karp. “I want to make sure that I stay in shape and continue playing at a high level.” 

Among students who play more individual sports, the extended pause in play provides a chance to work for a more important role on the team. On the Bronx Science Varsity Tennis team, only the best players get to represent the team in matches. David Kamenetz ’22 has been playing  four to five times a week in Central Park. “The tennis team is extremely competitive, but my goal for next season is to be a starter,” he said. 

Many Bronx Science athletes remain hopeful that the PSAL will resume in the Spring. It is yet to be seen whether or not Fall 2020 sports will be allowed to have a season in the spring. Max Kramer ’22 hopes that this will be the case; he has been training hard and attending soccer practices at Riverside Park. While students like Kramer are eager to get back on the field, they recognize the importance of taking precautions. “I would love for the team to play in the Spring,” said Kramer, “but safety is the first priority.” 

“I want to make sure that I stay in shape and continue playing at a high level,” said Anton Karp ’22.