WOODBURY — For Nonnewaug athletes, missing out on their spring sports season last year was definitely painful. But after a year of living with Covid-19, spring sports are officially back on for Nonnewaug. 

Senior athletes, who missed their junior season and feared they’d never be able to play their spring sport again, are rejoicing at the school’s decision to allow all spring sports.

Although sports are now back on at NHS, it has been an out-of-the-ordinary year for athletes – to say the least. Spring sports are no exception to this trend, and there are still many Covid guidelines that athletes need to follow if they want to play. 

Athletes will still need to complete daily Covid check-ins for Covid-related symptoms and will have to wear masks at certain times, such as during bus trips to away games. Mask guidelines are different for every sport and are designed to keep athletes safe when they cannot maintain a safe distance. 

Senior athlete Meteku Ciesielski weighed in on this issue, saying, “I definitely think it’ll be safe to play outside.” 

Athletes are always excited when it’s finally their time of year to play their sports. For Ciesielski, however, this season is especially exciting. “I’d say I’m pretty excited to be able to play this year. This would be my first year ever doing track because I missed out on it last year due to Covid,” he said. “So, I’m excited.” 

Senior athletes Jon Khazzaka and Ryan Tomkalski also said they are happy to be back after missing a crucial junior season. 

Tomkalski’s last time suiting up for Nonnewaug Baseball was at the end of his sophomore season. He is now a senior and looking forward to another chance to play. “Baseball is by far my main sport, so I’m definitely excited to be able to play this year.” He added, “Just being able to play and enjoy myself, I hope to win the league title.”

Khazzaka shared a similar outlook on the upcoming season, saying, “I’m really excited. Tennis season I really look forward to because I feel it’s very enjoyable and relaxing. I enjoy the team culture, and [NHS coach and science teacher Nick Sheikh] does a great job of coaching us while still making it fun.”

While all three of these senior athletes don’t have plans to play sports in college, it is safe to say they are all grateful to be getting one last season at Nonnewaug.