COVID-19 has those in the sports world, but coaches are finding effective ways to keep their players safe while still allowing them to play the sports they love.

Wrestling Coach and Head Guidance Counselor Robert Toran has now completed a full wrestling season amidst COVID restrictions.

“We were limited with the number of people that could come out, so we were allowed to have 24 out,” said Toran. “Initially we did have that number of 24 and it ended up dropping down to about 18 and we did not have anyone contract COVID throughout the whole wrestling season, which was about six weeks.”

Toran was sure to keep up with the temperature checks required for each wrestler, applying hand sanitizer, making sure his team wore masks at all times.

“There are always concerns when you know you have viruses going around, especially with viruses that are so highly contagious,” said Toran. “My thought was, if we are going to do this, then I’m going to be all in and make sure we met the protocols and mitigations to get through.”

Despite the challenges, Toran’s wrestlers finished the season strong. Senior Riley Stevens finished 3rd in States in the 126lb weight class and freshman Kyree Flamer finished 6th in the States for the 120lb weight class.

Business teacher and Basketball Coach Lloyd Deloatch has also worked through the regulations.

“Our off season was very different from a typical year,” said Deloatch. “We spent most of our time coming up with creative ways to get in shape and build team chemistry over zoom. Once we finally got the official word that we could play we were all very excited.”

The coaches came up with different ideas when it came to managing their teams and making sure that they would be fit for the season.

“Because this season was so short I already feel very energized for next season,” said Deloatch. “We were able to build some momentum this season and I’m looking forward to that carrying over into the offseason and then into the 21-22 season.”

Despite the challenges, our Basketball team was the Region 5A Tournament Runner up. Bryce Shaw, our team’s lone senior, averaged 20.1 ppg. 

“Although there may not be any post season awards this season Bryce would absolutely be deserving of 1st team honors in my opinion,” said Deloatch. 

Women’s Soccer Coach Dustin Maghan has faced added challenges as a new coach.

“It has also been a huge challenge with this being my first year at Salem,” said Maghan. “Normally, if we were in person, I would have a better idea of which students were interested in playing and beginning to build relationships with my players. So being virtual most of the year has been a challenge.”

Maghan acknowledges the struggles that virtual learning has presented, but like all the coaches, Maghan is dedicated to keeping the players safe and healthy above all else.

“Before COVID, high school soccer would start late February and continue into May/June depending on if you make it to the state tournament,” said Maghan, “This year tryouts start April 12th with our first match on April 26. One of the biggest challenges is how much time has been taken away from preparing for the actual season.”

Time is essential in terms of training and preparation for games and with the time constraints this year, Maghan and the other spring sports coaches are going to be working hard with the players to prepare for the season.