Missed openers are especially tough for athletes

The Benson baseball team and Benson-KMS track and field squads were set to get the 2020 high school spring sports season underway last Thursday when the Braves were set to host MACCRAY on Chiefs’ Field and the tracksters were set to host the first meet of the season at the track around Brock Field.

However, the COVID-19 shutdown has halted the season, with the first possible games now being set for early May, but also a strong possibility that the season may not ever begin.

“I think it hit me last Thursday (March 26),” said Benson head baseball coach Mark Grussing.  “We were supposed to get out of school early and go to St. John’s Dome and scrimmage against Brandon-Evansville.  Then, we were going to go to Buffalo Wild Wings and watch the end of the Twins; season opener.  Yes, you miss the competition; but, what you miss more are the times spent with your athletes and teammates.”

Added boys track coach Chad Carroll, “Things are going as well as can be expected.  It is has been a shock to my system with the new way of life.  It has been a difficult transition, and took about 10 days for it to really sink in and move on to the new way of life.  We were able to get in the first few days of practice which made this whole experience seem even more unimaginable.  It is very difficult knowing we should be out there competing and practicing.  The weather has made it even tougher knowing we could have been on the track a lot earlier than normal with no snow being on the track.”

While some students may enjoy the extra time at home and limited school interaction, other students crave being outside, active and involved in sports...
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