With all that is going on in the world, it’s pretty easy to forget about the small things like extracurricular activities being suspended, but that doesn’t mean students aren’t affected by these cancelations. 

For many students, this was their last year. 

Their last year to spend hours with their teammates and friends. 

Their last year to take part in high school activities they love. 

Their last year to try something new. 

Their last year to show all of their hard work over the past four years has paid off. 

On Sunday, March 15 Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced all Minnesota schools would be closed from Wednesday, March 18 to Friday, March 27. Later in this two week period, it was announced all Minnesota school districts would be offering distance learning until May 4. This also means that all spring activities would be temporarily canceled. 

Many students still have hope that they can get back to school, and back to the activities, they have been looking forward to all year. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) is following health and safety recommendations. The most recent MSHSL update on spring activity participation was posted on March 25. The update states that all MSHSL spring activities, including practice, training, and competitions will be suspended until Governor Walz reopens schools and participation protocols can be discussed. However, no spring sports have been canceled as of now. 

“I have been working for my senior year for years,” said senior track runner Travis Jensen. “I have been training year-round for years, and I was hoping to make it big this year.” 

Many students have been training for this season for months and even years. A lot of seniors were looking forward to being able to compete and to stand out in the Big 9 this year. 

“It’s really unfortunate that many of us guys [on the tennis team] have spent all winter training and getting ready for the season just for it to be over before it began,” said senior tennis captain Cole Indrelie. Both Indrelie and co-captain, senior Sam Yoon were looking forward to an extra competitive season for their last year. 

“The most disappointing thing about not being able to play this year was the amount of potential we had to be one of the top teams in the Big 9,” said Yoon.

Many teams believe that this was going to be their year to shine, but now they don’t even get a chance.

“I was really looking forward to having one last season with my teammates and competing at a high level in our conference,” said senior track runner Andrew Willner. 

For many athletes, it wasn’t just competing that they were looking forward to; It was making the memories that come out of being on a team.

“The most disappointing thing about not being able to run this year is probably just knowing that I won’t be making those last memories with my teammates,” said senior track runner Jocelyn Strom. 

Along with track and field and boys tennis other spring sports like golf, softball and baseball have been suspended as well. Other spring activities like the spring play have been canceled. This year’s play was supposed to be “Clue”, the cast started rehearsal in mid-Feb. They have been rehearsing nearly every day to put on a good show but now can no longer perform.
“Honestly I was fairly upset because this was the first year I had started doing theater,” said Evan Blankenship, a senior cast member. “I hadn’t done any other plays the years before so I had a goal in mind to do all 3 this year.” With the cancellation of the play Blankenship wasn’t able to complete this goal. 

Although some athletes and coaches are remaining hopeful for the current season, many have decided to take the time to reflect on all of the great memories they have made over their high school years. 

“My advice for seniors missing out on a spring sport is rather than being upset at the fact that you can’t play, look back and remember the good times,” said senior softball second baseman Mallory Evans.