By Kaitlyn Goldberg – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law gymnastics season is starting up, even though things will be looking a little different this year.

Just like all other sports this year, the season will be looking a bit different than normal, but members of the team are doing their best to make it work. The team has certain restrictions to follow, but fewer than the other sports; for example, they do not have to wear masks on the equipment. 

Coaching has also been a bit different with not just the restrictions but more responsibilities. 

“Coaching during this season has more responsibilities such as sanitizing equipment, collecting COVID entry forms, etc.,” head coach Mr. Simon said. 

The captains of this year’s team are Catherine Burns, Lexi Rios, and Makenna Sharpe. Key gymnasts include Emma Nelly, Natalie Morrell, Angie Robinson, Mackenzie Powers, Lexi Borecki, Claire Moulton, Dani Matist, Hailey Russo, and Bailey Seaberg.

Even with the odd season, the team is trying to make things as normal as possible so they can still grow and learn as a team. 

“When I heard about Law gymnastics, everyone said it was going to be so much fun and I was going to have a blast,” Moulton said. “I still am (having a blast) but I know how I train will be affected by COVID.” 

Just like the rest of the sports at Law there are certain restrictions that were put in place to keep students and coaches safe. 

“We have to be socially distanced at all times, which makes it hard to cheer and support our teammates and it is also different because we have to wear masks, but luckily get to take them off when we are at an event by ourselves,” junior Mackenzie Powers said. 

These restrictions also create a very different atmosphere for the team. 

“Things like being socially distant, wearing masks, everyone having their own spray bottle /chalk for bars creates a different environment than everyone is used to,” senior Lexi Rios said.

Although the year is a bit different the team still has new goals and expectations to reach for in the new season. 

“Our team goal is to do well in our meets and in the SCC Championships,” freshman Lexi Borecki said.

Rios also said that having fun while being safe is also a big goal for this season. 

“Some expectations I have for the team is that we all try our hardest and have the most fun this season that we can have and also to be as safe as possible, yet learning as many skills as possible as well as improving routines,” Rios said. 

As for meets, they will no longer be in person. Instead, they will be virtual. 

“All meets will be virtual with the opposing team competing at their own gym on a different day and there are no spectators,” Simon said.