With the global Covid-19 pandemic continuing to spread across the world, the 2020 spring sports season has all but disappeared. Though hope is held out that some portion of the seasons will be played out, news of more infections and deaths from the virus make the prospect of a return to school, or team sports, less and less likely. Stay-at-home orders and quarantines seem to be flattening the curve of the virus' infection rate, but some officials are now saying the orders may need to stay in place into May or even June.

 It seems almost cruel that the Class of 2020 seniors, many born during the chaotic period of the 9-11 tragedy, would end their school years in the midst of a global pandemic. Proms cancelled, senior trips called off, and graduation ceremonies likely not to happen. It is still unclear as to whether any will be rescheduled during the summer, or whether they will occur at all.

 With all the gloom that seems to dominate the news media today, several DCHS coaches showed their support for the class of 2020, and the student body overall, by illuminating the DeKalb ball fields. Last Friday, at 8:20 p.m. (20:20 hours in military time) the DCHS baseball, softball and football fields were lit up to honor this year's students.

 "I feel just terrible for our seniors," DeKalb Tigerettes Softball Coach Danny Fish told the Smithville Review. "They've put a lot of work in over the years, especially our seniors. They've put in a lot of work from rec-ball, when they first started, to T-ball, all the way to this season, and this season is being taken away from them by something out of their control. They were looking for another great year, and to garner another district championship. I just feel bad for all the players of all the spring sports."

 Coach Fish continued,"Things could be worse, but these kids of this class of 2020 have worked really hard for these moments ... the last prom, academic awards, graduation, senior trips ... I remember looking forward to those things, and now it's being taken away from them."

 "It's definitely an unfortunate situation across the board," DeKalb Tigers Baseball Coach Tad Webb added. "Thinking back to years ago, to my last year of school, you knew when your last game was, and unfortunately that's been taken away from them. We hope and pray that God steps in and subsides everything, and at that point we can get back on the field."

 DeKalb Football Coach Steve Trapp told the Review that the pandemic has even effected more than spring sports programs. "As far as my senior guys, they got their season in, but I've talked to everyone of these spring coaches and told them how much it hurts me to see what has happened. Especially Coach Webb, it being his first year coaching baseball, and they played one game. You know, Webb, Coach Fish and I all went to school together, and we're very fortunate that we're all back here coaching together. We played ball together, and it's sad to see those guys not being able to lead their team."

"It's especially hard for the seniors," Coach Trapp continued. "The spring players, and even the basketball players all across the state that didn't get to finish their seasons. You know with our guys [Football], with every week that passes, it doesn't look good for us, even in the fall. I hate to even think about that."

Coach Webb said he continues to be optimistic about resuming a portion of this season, "We've not thrown in the towel on this season just yet. We're looking to the future, but we're holding out hope that we can still play this season."

 Coach Fish agreed saying, "We're still hoping that April 24th, we can squeeze some games in there. TSSAA sent out a preliminary plan that would try to get it all in, but we'll see what happens."

 While things seem bad around the world, Coach Fish said there are lessons to be learned from the crisis. "Not taking time for granted. I tell the kids all the time that time is priceless. It's the only thing you can't get back. Time is the most precious thing we have on this earth and the most precious thing we have between one another. They give up a lot of time to help the program, and I give up a lot of time to help them. Never take that time for granted and maybe that will help us look at things differently in the future."

 Coach Fish also added that the DCHS faculty still there for students if they need them. "If you need any help, reach out to one of your teachers. There's plenty of teachers trying to help and keep up with their kids. If a teacher reaches out, let them know that you're okay, and that your family is okay. We're more worried about people and families than we are about A's, B's and C's. We just want to know that everybody is in good spirits and that everyone is doing well. If any student needs anything just get with your teacher, if you're in my class get with me, and if you need help, I'll help you; if you need to talk, I'll talk to you; if you need someone to just listen, I'll listen to you. We're here for you."

 Coach Webb's message to the students is, "Continue to follow the ones that are advising us and continue to pray and everything will take care of itself."

 Coach Trapp summed up what the night was all about, honoring the students. "Tonight is not just about our 2020 athletes, but the 2020 students. The end of their high school days are a little bit different. We just want to let them know that we're thinking about them. Things are a little tough right now. Things are a little different, but just like I told my little girl, 'We take it one day at a time.' There's going to come a day when we'll be able to get back, maybe not to normal as we used to know it, but things will get better. There are some positives that can come from this and that's the way we should approach it. We have to face every challenge and be better for it on the other side."