Some interesting words would be required to effectively portray what interscholastic athletics were like last year at Franklin High. Words that depict the extremes of 2020.
Phrases like “ups and downs,” “highs and lows,” and “topsy-turvy’’ are appropriate, because a global pandemic arrived, claiming many lives. Student-athletes, coaches and athletic directors, who were acutely aware of the coronavirus’ devastating effects last year, strived for some sense of normalcy as they dealt with setbacks and modifications.
Two of the Panthers’ winter squads were unable to complete their march to State championships, spring sports teams saw their season canceled, off-season summer programs were minimized or eliminated, and a new fall 2 season was created so football could be played this year from February to April.
“Chaotic’’ may be too strong to describe what was occurring at high schools across the state but FHS Athletic Director Tom Angelo has an appropriate word — “uncertainty.’’
“Every day produced uncertainty,’’ he emphasized. “Whether it was about COVID-19 testing, scheduling cancelations, or added protocols at games and practices. There was uncertainty every day and it didn’t stop. It was one curve ball after another.’’
A prime example that makes the veteran A.D.’s point was a Halloween party last fall. “Franklin students did not adhere to wearing masks and didn’t practice social distancing,’’ Angelo said. “Our teams were faced with a two-week ban on games and practices. But, our athletes got tested on their own and we did 71 tests at school. That enabled us to miss one week instead of two.’’
Highs and lows occurred for the girls’ basketball team and the cheerleading squad. Both had the potential to become undisputed State champions but they never got to compete for that honor. The Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) canceled all State title competition in March, two days before the hoop team was to play, and three days before the cheerleaders were to compete. The basketball team ended its season as Division 1 co-champs with Andover.
“The basketball team had a 26-0 record and had won the Hockomock title and the Sectional crown,’’ Angelo said. “The cheerleaders won the league title and the regional tourney. I felt terrible for both squads. I can’t imagine how badly the girls felt and how difficult it was for the coaches and fans of those teams. There was nothing we could do but to accept the cards that were dealt.’’
Franklin’s other 2020 winter teams had more ups than downs, and it was those contingents that paved the way for the school to earn its second straight Dalton Award, an honor given by The Boston Globe to the State’s top Division 1 athletic program (based on winning percentage).
The boys’ ice hockey team went 9-7-4 and captured the Hockomock crown while wrestlers compiled a 23-2 overall record and nailed down league and sectional championships. The boys’ basketball squad went 15-5; the boys’ swim team was unbeaten (7-0) and won a league crown; and the girls’ gymnastics contingent compiled a 9-2 record.
The varsity winter teams posted a combined record of 101-31-9 and amassed five Hockomock League crowns and three Sectional titles.
“Those teams cemented our second straight Dalton Award,’’ Angelo said. “We’ve won that award in three of the last six years. Winning the award is a testament to our coaches and student-athletes. It shows that we do things right and that we’re definitely a sports town. Parents have high expectations and our athletes set the bar high for themselves.’’
Losing the spring season was a tough pill to swallow, primarily because Franklin was poised to continue the winning ways of winter.
“Canceling spring sports was a necessary move, but it was difficult to digest,’’ Angelo said. “We were stacked to win more championships. We had superb athletes on our boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams, in baseball and, also, track. The future was extremely bright for the spring.’’
Angelo is pleased with the way student-athletes and coaches have handled the pandemic and its ramifications. “Last fall, new rules and modifications were made for all sports, but the players and coaches still competed and adjusted accordingly,’’ he said. “Whatever is needed, we do it with no complaints.’’
There sure were no complaints with the Panthers’ field hockey team that rolled to an undefeated regular-season record of 8-0, then won the Kelly-Rex Division and the first Hockomock Cup. Coach Michelle Hess’ squad ended its season at 10-0.
COVID-19 has indeed changed sports and unfortunately it’s changed the A.D.’s office. Instead of student-athletes checking in or a coach stopping by for whatever reason, a conflicting atmosphere now prevails.
“Unfortunately, I deal with a lot of negativity caused by this pandemic,’’ Angelo said. “Parents and students are frustrated and angered by the limitations now placed upon them. Modified game rules, limited access to the gym and locker rooms, social distancing during practices and games, and wearing masks while playing are inconveniences we’re not used to.
“Parents are upset because of the limitations placed on spectators. It’s a difficult task explaining to a parent that they may not watch their child play because they are not allowed to attend games. Another unfortunate consequence of this pandemic is my own limited interaction with our coaches and student-athletes. With remote learning, we haven’t had students in the building from September through November. Most of my communication is now delivered virtually or via email.’’
What the general public may not realize is the number of agencies and committees that dictate policy during these times and how time-consuming it is for administrators to maneuver through countless mazes. State agencies and committees that are involved in regulating athletics are the Executive Office of Energy and Environment, the MIAA, and the Department of Education. Local jurisdiction includes the Hockomock League, the School Committee and the Board of Health.
“The agencies aren’t always in agreement on the issues,’’ Angelo said. “Sometimes we don’t get straight answers. We just want to know what to do and work with our league and School Committee. It’s a matter of just doing the best we can working with multiple systems. But, the bottom line is to keep our student-athletes as the No. 1 priority.’’
Even when vaccines are available, Angelo believes that wearing masks and maintaining social distancing will continue throughout the school year. It’s his hope that when fall arrives and school reopens, there’ll be a clean slate.
“There’s hope for the future,’’ he said. “We need to stay the course and hope a vaccine will be effective. It’ll be great to resume our lives and have our athletes play sports again with great emotion and a competitive spirit. We missed out on things like a normal graduation and had to go remote with our senior awards night. We also hope that the Hockomock League’s student-athlete banquet will be back in vogue.’’
A fall school opening in 2021 that has all the autumn sports on the athletic menu without modifications would indeed be a return to normalcy.