By Reinesse Wong
COVID-19 has seen a halt to many sports, swimming being one of them. Many swimmers have not been able to practice since the closure of pools, but thankfully for Irvington High School’s swimmers, the girls swimming season for SHEDI (Sleepy Hollow/Hastings/Edgemont/Irvington) has just been approved to start around mid-March. Although competitions have been approved, they will run differently this year due to new COVID-19 restrictions.
Swim practice will be held in the same swim pool at the EF Campus; however, masks will be required when swimmers are not in the water. Swimmers can also not change or shower in the locker room, so they have to come changed and leave right after practice is over. For divers, there are no diving boards at the swim pool, but they are still recommended to attend the six mandatory practices.
Competitions are also in discussion. Traditional competitions have many teams sitting in the same area and swimming in the same pool, which is not ideal for the COVID-19 restrictions. It is possible that a “swim meet” will be held in each team’s own pool where swimmers compete regularly and are timed. These times will be compared to the other team to model a swim meet. Divers also might compete separately and points will be tallied up.
For many, the opportunity to swim and dive has been welcomed. Emmy Juenger, a diver for SHEDI, has stated how excited she is for the season to begin.
“I am excited to represent Irvington as a diver and compete in a high school setting. Although this year is a little different, I will try and make the best out of it.”
