The crack of the bat is nonexistent. The swoosh of the lacrosse ball is nowhere to be found. As the weather warms and days become longer, everyone is inside.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreck through the United States and Northern New Jersey is one of the hardest hit areas. With Governor Phil Murphy recently announcing that schools will be closed until at least May 15, and strict social distancing will not end until June or July at the earliest, a high school sports season is unlikely. 

Many Juniors are concerned about their recruitment. However, another option might emerge: A “Bridge Year”. This proposal by State Senator Paul Sarlo would allow current sophomores and juniors to attend a New Jersey Community College after graduating high school, while maintaining eligibility to play one season for their high school spring team.

In theory, this would allow players to use their traditional senior year as a “defacto junior year” to enhance their recruitment. Therefore, current juniors would be recruited to play in college for the class of 2022, not 2021, which allows college coaches to get an extra year to evaluate players. While Junior baseball player Justin DeStaso does not plan to take this route, he thinks the option has positive impacts.

“I think it’s a great idea for a lot of people because it’s going to open up some opportunities that may not be there if you weren’t to go to Community College,” DeStaso said. 

Junior lacrosse player Aidan Kennedy thinks the option will help players improve their game.

“I definitely like the option because it gives you an extra year to play and it just helps you develop your game for an extra year because you have basically taken a year off,” Kennedy said. 

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) announced that high school sports could last until June 30, but most high school athletes and coaches realize a season is doubtful. For student athletes trying to get recruited to play in college, the impact looms large.

“Starting in the fall of your junior year is the first year college coaches can start talking to you,” Kennedy said. “Spring and summer are definitely our biggest seasons to get recruited.” 

Traditionally, Junior year is the most important year for recruitment. Many athletes reach the Varsity team, and players get to show their talent against the best competition.

“I got lucky last season as a sophomore I started on varsity the whole year. I was able to get a full year of varsity experience as a sophomore which not everybody gets to do,” DeStaso said. “Junior year is usually the first [Varsity] year for a lot of people trying to play their sport in college. Going without that first year varsity experience is tough.”

With practicing outside not possible, varsity lacrosse coach and Physical Education and Health teacher Michael Escalante believes the best thing for players to do is to stay ready. 

“My recommendation is to control what is within their power and that means staying diligent about working on their craft and doing drills and working out to be the best player they can be,” Escalante said. “I encourage them to remain in contact with any schools or coaches they have been talking to, and to keep their high school coaches in the loop.”

Staying ready is integral for players, as whenever sports resume recruits must be able to perform their best.

“Right now I’m making sure I go out every day and stay in good shape,” DeStaso said. “Going out every day, hitting off the tee and fielding ground balls, because I’ve got to make sure I’m ready.”