This year, Bear River sports had been put to a temporary halt with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic limiting sports opportunities. Recently, however, there has been some movement in starting up sports practices and games once again.

Coaches, players, and fans have many different opinions on how the sports seasons should be handled.

Varsity Basketball Coach Jason Camacho described how the guidelines are affecting the team and the hard work and time they have been putting in despite of it. 

“Our biggest challenge is keeping the players and coaches safe,” Coach Camacho said. “Our practices are resuming, giving us a chance to do individual fundamental workouts. These workouts will help us to be more effective when we get to run our offense during the season.” 

Sophomore Football player Anders Torgerson explained his opinion on the effectiveness of the sports guidelines and expressed the struggles of athletes who play more than one sport.

“I feel like the guidelines are pretty straightforward,” he said. “The shuffling of sports seasons is a lot of work for multi sport athletes but very rewarding.” 

Torgerson suggested a change towards the system, taking into consideration the multi-sport athletes. 

“The only thing I would change would be so practices don’t overlap and multi-sport athletes don’t have to be rushed to their next practice,” said Torgerson.

Sports fan Tyler Arshawsky conveyed his point of view on how the sports seasons are being dished out and the fairness to each sport the new guidelines allow.

“I think it’s good that sports are being played now,” Arshawsky said. “Deciding which sports start [and] when is a tough decision, but I’m glad it was made and I think a good job has been done.” 

Arshawsky agreed that the COVID-19 guidelines being enforced are needed and effective. He also voiced the thoughts of most Bruin athletes.

“I think the guidelines are necessary to ensure everyone can play safely,” he said. “I’m just glad that sports were able to happen this year.”

Basketball player Ryan Downes commented on the scheduling of the basketball season this year. 

“I think it’s the best way to have everyone play and have the opportunity for seniors to play,” he said.

Downes added his thoughts to the COVID-19 protocols that are being enforced among other regulations. 

“I’m glad we’re moving forward and finding better, safer ways,” said Downes.

Some sports have already been able to have a somewhat successful season, but closer contact sports are beginning to start following the rules of the new sports guidelines, and Bruin athletes, coaches, and fans are all making the best of what they are allowed to do. 

Coach Camacho added that despite the difficulties, his basketball team’s perseverance has paid off.

“The team became closer through all of this,” he said.