FA L L / W I N T E R
ATHLETICS
Planning for the fall athletic season, administrators and athletic officials from the League of Independent Schools (LIS) and the Virginia Prep League (VPL) divided sports into three risk categories: low, medium and high. The sports categorized as “low-risk” (tennis and cross country) were able to schedule interscholastic competition in the fall, and the field hockey team competed in four modified (7v7) contests against Richmond area independent schools. In late September, the LIS and VPL voted to attempt a condensed fall season in March, to give the other medium and high-risk teams more opportunities to compete. As of this issue’s printing, boys soccer was scheduled to participate in approximately six additional games in March versus local opponents with like-minded mitigation strategies and protocols (e.g. masks). Varsity football began practicing again in late February for a two-game season (St. Christopher’s and Benedictine) set to end on March 27. In the winter, all four winter programs held consistent daily practices and participated in some form of interscholastic competition. “Several of our winter coaches have commented on their ‘memorable’ seasons, where bonds were strengthened, team cultures were maintained, and collective hurdles made us grateful for one another’s face to face support,” said Anna Prillaman, director of athletics. “Titan coaches report the unique experiences they’ve shared within their programs have been challenging yet rewarding, frustrating yet empowering, and mentally trying yet physically energizing. Although many of us had hard days of digesting news of league and state meets going virtual, or not being able to participate in a full slate of regular season and tournament games, it has been incredible to see our community come together and remind one another of all we do have.” 24
SPRING 2021
