On Friday, March 13th, there was an air of anxiousness looming over campus as everyone seemed to be thinking of the same question: "What's going to happen?" Headlines from every news outlet seemed to be pointing to the same conclusion, but everyone was waiting on someone else to make the call that would change the rest of the school year for all of us.
For the last 51 days we have been in Quarantine and I have refrained from posting knowing that there was an overwhelming amount of questions concerning things other than volleyball and, dare I say it, more important than volleyball. I reasoned that so long as we were unable to be on campus that the logical conclusion is that we would not be able to be in the gym. Still, I apologize if you wanted more information/updates from me and I did not provide it.
This past Friday, would have been the end of the regular season. We know that each one of our teams would now be reflecting on seasons they could be proud of and that Varsity would be getting ready for their first round of CIF playoffs. We know this, not because of the records we had at the time schools closed, but because of the fight, energy, spirit, and hope we saw in all of you boys and parents at each and every single game. We know this because we got to see the hearts of our young men displayed on the court and what it said/revealed/illustrated was a quiet confidence/belief that nothing was going to stop us either individually or corporately.
As I reflected, I realized how very thankful I am for this past season no matter how short it was. For as I talked with other coaches and former players around the county, some voiced a sense of relief, they were glad it was over for a number of reasons. Our coaching staff, on the other hand, was bummed that it ended so early. Each day gave birth to something to look forward to and we were excited to see the next day’s challenges and partner with all of you to overcome obstacles and stand proudly over our joint achievements. Whether the season ended those 51 days ago or had we the chance to run the full season together, I believe we would all still have the same sentiment: a wish for more time together.
A large part of our success this year is due to a particular group of young men who have worked hard for this season. Seniors, I wish the remainder of this season would have been written differently and while you may be tempted to speculate about either victories or defeats I urge you to consider this:
No one in our lifetime has had to go through what you are going through now. There has never been a class at Classical Academy High School who has seen their season and other school aspirations cut short. In this time when the courts have been vacant your presence and leadership is ever present. It is present every time one of us thinks about what the rest of the season would have been like and envision hopes and dreams. It is present on those sad days in quarantine when we have thought about being with our teammates either at practice or a game. It is present and will continue to be present each time one of your underclassmen thinks about building upon the legacy you have built up in such a short time.
While I have much to say to you seniors, fundamentally it can be summed into this: I am indescribably proud of you and forever thankful for each of you.
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This week Thursday and Friday will be two opportunities to turn in jerseys at the Studio Campus in the “Drop off/Pick-up Loop”. So please consider these dates and times and if neither of these work for you, please reach out to me to make arrangements.
Thursday, May 7th: 11a - 1p
Friday, May 8th: 11a - 1p
Our goal is that jerseys can be dropped off without having to leave your vehicle, so as you pull through a coach will come within 6 feet at which point someone in your vehicle can toss your jersey to your coach.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me.
Email: [email protected]
Txt: 760-705-0051
Play as One,
Coach Josiah