2020 is a different sort of year — face masks, Zoom meetings, social distancing and online learning due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Schools have adjusted both their academic and athletic programs to meet guidelines for safe student contact. It’s been a challenge for teachers, administrators and coaches to plan and adapt their programs, often on the spur of the moment when COVID cases rise.
When I contacted Kennett High and Fryeburg Academy mountain bike team coaches, Ricky Gaudreau and Tyler Wilson, respectively, to see how their seasons were going, I realized it was not a “normal” year. Usually, team members ride several times a week to build their skills and speed to compete in races with other schools in their league. However, that’s not happening this year — no meets, no travel — because of COVID restrictions.
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