As the winter months pass by, sports teams have been anxious to begin playing and competing. Specifically, students on the boys’ Berkley basketball program have been ready for weeks to start practicing for upcoming scheduled games. Their first practice took place on Friday, Jan. 15, but the team is still uncertain about whether they will be able to compete in games. Restrictions due to COVID-19 have delayed the start of the season, however, teams all over Michigan, as well as the government, have come to a consensus on how they can safely hold practices (and hopefully games) this year.

Some restrictions include players wearing masks, limited fan bases at games, and limited contact at practice. Playing a sport like basketball in a mask seems very difficult, however, Mr. Horn, the athletic director at Berkley, believes “that the team can wear masks while being as efficient as normal. We saw this in our fall sports seasons with soccer, volleyball, and football. All were required to wear masks and we did not see much of an impact in performance from our students/athletes.” He goes on to state that because other players at schools have to follow the same safety protocols, “everyone is on the same playing field.”

Due to the restrictions on fanbase attendance, spectators and players are wondering what the games will be like without a crowded gym full of support. The Bear Pack brings all their energy to the games to support players. Senior Jacob Thomas commented on the lack of fans at the game stating, “It can definitely affect the team’s energy at the beginning of the season because the team feeds off of the fans’ energy. However, later in the season, as the team grows closer, we will learn to build our own energy.”

The back and forth nature of the status of the season has affected the players emotionally as well. Senior Logan Haley, a member of the Varsity team, believes the biggest challenge this year is “the uncertainty before the season. It is hard to cope with because we are all working really hard, and it would suck if all the hard work was for nothing.” Clearly, the team is passionate about competition, and waiting to see if they exercise their skills is painful.

As of this writing, there are no games permanently scheduled for this year. The team will continue to practice six days a week, two hours a day in hopes for a season. The uncertainty, as well as the COVID restrictions, have been a major barrier this season, however, the Berkley community is rooting on the team, and although there will be no student section, the Bear Pack will be there in spirit.