When the Michigan High School Athletic Association postponed football until at least spring 2021, it effectively ended the fall sports season for many high school athletes.
But at Dexter High School, the announcement inspired some to pursue an alternative outlet: eight football players are now trying their hand at tennis, one of the lucky non-contact sports that has suffered minimal Covid-related changes.
“They came over and asked if they could join, and then they just jumped in. They just want to be active, and they brought a good spirit,” coach Rob Smothers says of the new members of his boys tennis team. “They’re raw to the game but their athletic ability translates over to tennis. They’re interested in learning tennis the right way, and they’ve come along really well in just three or four weeks.”
So far, “The season in general has been up and down” says Smothers. Schedules are riddled with canceled matches as different schools implement different restrictions. Players wear masks when not on the court and use more tennis balls when practicing to avoid repeatedly handling the same ones. For the Dreadnaughts, it’s all worth it: “all the boys really appreciate the opportunity to play,” Smothers says, “and it’s good to see them getting out and staying active.”
