The Covid Pandemic has made a huge impact on many student athletes in Hawaii. Things have turned around for many athletes; and they are now able to participate in sports throughout the year under certain conditions. With some sports seasons cut short or even eliminated, the question is: Will the Winter Sports season go on?

As long as an athlete is vaccinated or completing a Covid test weekly, they will be able to participate in any sports based on the required guidelines. As the Winter athletic season approaches, many still have concerns as to whether Covid will impact the season and if spectators attendance will be allowed, especially within the gym. In a recent Press Conference,  Honolulu Mayor, Rick Blangiardi  announced “outdoor and indoor seated events can return to 100% capacity, provided attendees are fully vaccinated and wearing masks.”  Blangiardi indicates that sporting events may occur under certain conditions. 

Head Basketball Coach Dan Hale, worries about the upcoming season. “I think the biggest challenge is Covid and the rules,” says Coach Hale.  However, beyond the rules, Coach Hale added additional concerns. The 2020 basketball season saw many challenges; however, the teams worked together to complete the season successfully. However, Coach Hale explains,  “If there’s gonna be another variant or another spike in cases,” this could complicate things for the 2021 season. Regardless of these challenges, the Winter Sports season remains promising. Things have been looking better right now,” added Coach Hale. 

In addition to these guidelines, further challenges with scheduling and cancellations are also an issue. “We have push back the start date calendar for some of the sports,” SLS Athletic Director, Chad Konishi, explains.  The only challenges will be an overlap from fall sports into winter, then winter sports into spring for the varsity level only.,” 

The Winter Sports schedule primarily affects the varsity level, while Junior Varsity and Intermediate level teams will proceed through the season on time for other seasonal sports. Along with the schedule issues, a possible cancellation of the high school canoe paddling season looms due to “permitting and outdoor policies that are guided by the state,” explains Coach Konishi.  “But we’re still hoping to have canoe paddling. We may just be limited to just Varsity, but that yet still has to be determined,” adds Coach Konishi. 

Despite all of the challenges, the plans for winter sports will proceed, with schedule changes and overlapping with the Spring season sports. High School athletics will come with  challenges as Covid-19 remains unpredictable;  but if procedures are followed, the season will go smoothly; and for those athletes who play in winter sports, the goal of a safe and successful season remains. Good luck this season!