Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) The spring sports season didn’t go forward as planned due to COVID-19 and Safer at Home, but the girls track and field coaches at Marshfield High School are making sure their team feels supported while they’re apart.
Coaches Ali Luedtke, Jim Sherburne, Coach Jess LeMoine, Coach Steve Weiler, Coach Dan Akin decided to bike to each team member’s home to stay connected while keeping safe.
“We let families know the route and gave some time estimates. We stopped at homes to share smiles and words of encouragement with short conversations in driveways, making sure we kept our appropriate social distance,” said Luedtke.
Reinya Balderson, a freshman at Marshfield High School and in her third year of track, said she knew the coaches were visiting athletes but it was still a nice surprise.
“It was nice to know they’re still thinking about us, especially being a freshman and them knowing us just for a couple of days,” she said. Besides track, Balderson was involved in club volleyball and said the season got cut short halfway due to the pandemic.
The coaches put together routes for their “City Bike Tour” and “Country Cruise” for athletes living in and outside of Marshfield. About 14 miles and several hours later, they completed their first “parade” and also completed two out of four planned country rides on April 17 and 21.
“Our coaches, athletes and families have greatly enjoyed the experience, and we have been able to preserve a sense of TEAM as much as possible,” Luedtke said.
Author: News Desk
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