Winter Sports Wrap-up

When Governor Ned Lamont announced on Nov. 23, 2020, that all club and team sports, including high school sports, were to be placed on hold due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, nobody knew if a winter sports season would happen. 

The disappointment felt by all St. Luke’s winter athletes turned to great excitement when Lamont issued another statement on Jan. 11, 2021, that practices could begin on Jan. 19.

With COVID-19 cases trending downward and following the Department of Health guidelines, the St. Luke’s Athletic Department kicked into gear and implemented a number of protocols to ensure a safe return. Controlled contests were scheduled for varsity teams with member schools across the Fairchester Athletic Association.

The first games of the season took place on Thursday, Feb. 11. Five of the six  St. Luke’s winter varsity sports continued on to play between five and eight competitive fixtures. The Storm ski team was unable to compete this season as the Connecticut Department of Health recommended against any multi-school sporting events.

Despite a shortened season, our student-athletes were grateful for the opportunity to practice and compete with their friends and teammates. Boys basketball captain Cole Bryant said: “It meant everything to me to have a chance to play this year. It was one of the best moments of my life when the crowd stormed the court after we won the FAA championship last year, and I wasn’t ready for it to be over. Although it was a very different year, the fact that we had the opportunity to play was a blessing that I will forever be grateful for.”

Girls squash senior Audrey Magnusen was also happy she was able to play some matches in her final year: “I was really pleased to hear that the winter season was moving forward. Even though my teammates and I knew that it would be very different from what we were used to, it was exciting to get together as a team to practice and compete.”

There were also restrictions in place for spectators, with schools allowing parents or guardians only to attend on senior days. However, Athletic Director Mike West worked to livestream as many of the events as possible to give families, students, alumni, faculty and staff the chance to cheer on the Storm athletes.

All but two road contests were livestreamed, with great numbers tuning in to watch our teams in action. The girls basketball home game against Hamden Hall was viewed more than 600 times, and the boys basketball game vs. King School had more than 560 views. West is pleased so many people were able to support our teams: “In an abbreviated season, giving families and fans the chance to see our teams was really important. I’m thrilled our students had the chance to compete. More importantly, I’m delighted that our athletes had the opportunity to come together and forge relationships with their teammates, while practicing under the guidance of a fantastic coaching staff.”

Check out this winter highlight video: