LEWES, Del.- When COVID-19 hit almost a year ago, spring sports came to a halt in the Cape Henlopen School District.
Fast forward to 2021, and the Cape Board of Education has canceled the middle school spring season again knocking out sports like baseball, track, and lacrosse.
Superintendent Robert Fulton noted challenges like transportation and safety training for coaches who are employed and not employed by the district.
"We are focusing all of our efforts and resources to safely increase the number of students receiving in-person instruction each day and the high school spring sports season," Fulton said in a statement. "We are planning to have middle school sports in the fall."
One of Trey Kraus's sons was a runner and says being able to get out and compete helped him while growing up.
“My son ran cross country and track and it was probably one of the best things to help clear his mind and organize,” Kraus said. “Athletics are so important in the maturation of children.”
As a former Cape parent, Kraus signed a petition that’s been started by other parents to try and get the district to reconsider. So far, it has about 600 signatures.
Psychologist Dr. Katie Elder says in-person interaction would be beneficial not just for athletes but all children.
“My middle schooler is not affected by spring sports being canceled because he likes basketball and football,” Dr. Elder said. “They are not in the spring. But for the health and wellness of all of our kids it’s important we figure this out so they don't go yet another whole season without that and it's really the human connection that they need.”
Normal spring sports for Beacon and Mariner middle school athletes will have to wait until next school year.