Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, varsity senior athletes across the United States have basically lost their spring season, although hopes for an extended season are high. For Highland High School seniors, this loss of their final moments at their hometown fields hit home.

Scott Marsh, senior baseball player at Highland, reflects on this tough time.

What was the beginning of your season like, before COVID-19?
When we had our first day of practice, it was an amazing feeling, being back out on the diamond with my team and being greeted with some very nice weather. I was looking forward to my last season playing high school baseball. We were on the hunt this year, [and] we have the talent to make some noise in Section 9.

How did you feel when you learned of the postponement of your season?

After the first few days of practice, [COVID-19] came and was hitting the world really hard. Then, came the worst news of all – our season was postponed until at least early May. This hurt me a lot, being that this is my last high school baseball season and knowing that we have a chance to finish out strong, this feeling sucked.

What are you doing to stay active during this downtime?
I personally have been lifting weights, throwing the baseball and taking some swings off the tee for the last few weeks.

What are you hoping for as an outcome to this pandemic’s affect?
I am really hoping we do not lose our whole season due to the virus. I want to go out on top and enjoy my final high school baseball season. I am very blessed to say that I am committed to continue my academic and athletic career at Keystone College.

Eliz Fino, a senior lacrosse player at Marlboro High School, shares the same feelings as Marsh.

Why are you, a student at Marlboro, playing for Highland?
Our school sadly does not have a lacrosse team, so we merge with Highland lacrosse.

How do you feel about COVID-19 and what are you most hopeful for?
It’s very sad that we won’t be able to have a full season, and I am still praying that hopefully we can have some kind of shortened season, just [so I am] able to take the field with my friends again and to have memories of my senior year playing lacrosse for Highland. I know the safety of our family and community is most important, but I just hope they will be able to get this under control so at least maybe I will be able to play some league games in May and be able to have playoffs. It would be great if we were able to play in June.

Fino’s teammate, Tacheca Mcghie, has had a shift in future plans due to COVID-19 and isn’t as hopeful for a final season during the summer months.

How did you react to hearing about the postponement, and unknown cancellation, of your senior season?
It was honestly devastating not being able to play with the team that I’ve been playing with since my freshman year. Also, I am sad that I will never get the opportunity to play for Highland again.

Are you looking to continue your lacrosse career at the collegiate level?
I had SUNY Purchase interested in me, but since the season ended before it began, they never got the chance to watch me play.

Although seasons have not indefinitely been canceled, the NYSPHSAA will be making a decision on spring seasons and championships by April 27.