Clubs, Activities lag Behind Sports in Returning to Action During Pandemic Quagmire

The decision to continue with winter sports came as a surprise to students and community members alike. While sports have proceeded with modifications, many clubs and extracurricular activities have come to a standstill. According to West athletic director Brad Jodarski, athletics went through extreme lengths to get their seasons approved to run this year. 

“We put together a safety plan for athletics that involved working with our athletic trainers, coaches and district office,” he said. “Our plan was shared with the Winnebago County Health Department as well.” 

While athletics went through a tedious process to get their plan approved, not all clubs and activities have been cleared to return. Senior Leah Fannin has been heavily involved in the West band program since her freshman year and is disappointed that sports were allowed to continue, but band performances were not.

“I think that it’s extremely unfair for the district to support the continuation of sports but not concerts,” she said. “It would be so easy to set up a socially distanced concert, but the district has made little to no effort for non-athletic extracurriculars.” 

Aside from music, many other clubs and extracurriculars have, for the most part, been shut down. Junior and student leader in the Spanish club, Robert Valero, finds it unfair that sports are permitted to practice and compete while his club has not been active.

“Coronavirus has completely prevented my club from having any meetings or really existing in any meaningful way,” he said. “I don’t think it’s fair that sports can continue while most clubs and other extracurriculars are not able to run, especially since they are just as, if not more safe, regarding COVID.”

As many clubs have had troubles getting started up due to the coronavirus, Jodarski clears up how an activity can get approved to run.

“[Clubs and activities] are able to start once they have an approved safety plan from the district,” he said. “We do have some activities taking place such as math team and mock trial [and Index]. A safety plan was submitted and approved for a musical opportunity as well.”

While sports compete and hold practices and open gyms, students question why their clubs cannot meet. Villineuve has missed the madrigals community as well as the in-person practices. 

“Coronavirus has definitely impacted madrigals in a big way,” he said. “Instead of having practice twice a week in person, it was usually virtual with only two in-person practices. We couldn't tour around to a lot of different events like we normally do, and we were constrained to recording our performance. I definitely miss the communal aspect of madrigals the most; it is always a super tight-knit group, but this year it was just not the same.”

Fannin believes this stoppage deprives participants of healthy benefits but, unfortunately, is not surprised by the trend.

“It’s extremely maddening because many students rely on their clubs for a safe space as well as other future opportunities such as scholarships, but the district doesn’t seem to care,” she said. “This is no shock to me since the level of sympathy has been disproportionate for as long as I can remember. It’s clear there is a bias since performances can be conducted in a safe manner.”

Fannin has also been led to wonder what could have been with fewer restrictions.

“I miss the happiness that performances brought; I miss spending time with my friends; I miss all of the excitement,” she said. “For many students, it’s more than just playing music; it’s being able to collaborate with teachers and students to make a subject I really love and am passionate about fun.”

While many clubs and activities still have yet to completely start back up, Jodarski is hopeful students will be able to showcase their work in the future, if their activities are able to create a set of protocols for safe operation.

“We look forward to seeing as many students as possible participate in our extracurricular offerings and showcase their talents for others to see,” Jodarski said.

By Joe Mayo

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue 4

January 29th 2021