Willoughby-Eastlake Schools navigates the new norm for sports

By Patricia Nugent

“It ain’t over, till it’s over.”—Yogi Berra

Thanks to the same spirit of unbridled optimism that led baseball legend Yogi Berra’s Mets to an against-all-odds division title in 1973, the students, athletes, coaches and administration, families and fans of fall sports at Willoughby-Eastlake Schools have overcome the odds for a season that’s both unprecedented and unforgettable.

Following Governor Mike DeWine’s order in August that fall sports can go ahead, the district’s football, golf, soccer, cross country, volleyball and tennis teams have been competing against other teams in their respective divisions.

Although the in-person spectators have been limited to family members and close friends of student athletes, many games of note, such as the North-South football game, were streamed on Facebook Live. And others continue to be streamed on YouTube.

According to James Mormino, athletic director at Willoughby South High School, “Since June, our athletes, coaches and athletic trainers have been doing an amazing job dealing with all the changing guidelines. Each day, everyone goes through a Covid-19 screening process, which includes a series of questions and temperature checks. All of our fans have been very understanding and compliant with the guidelines of smaller attendance at games, social distancing and wearing of masks.”

To boost team spirit, the high school marching bands played at all the home football games and the sideline cheerleaders fired up the crowd.

“With spectator capacity limitations, the community does not get to come to events as they normally have,” says Dennis Reilly, athletic director for Eastlake North High School. “However, our parents and community still back our students as strong as ever by following protocols, purchasing spirit wear, providing donations, and even upholding the tradition of decorating the bridge. Our students, coaching staff and trainers have all been working hard since the summer months preparing and honing their skills to be able to compete. They also find time to have fun, like tie-dying team shirts or a fun game of dodgeball.”

Look for these monthly stories to cover topics from grades K-12 in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools System. For updates and details, visit WESchools.org.