Banners Honor Westfield High School Senior Spring Athletes
WESTFIELD, NJ — They've been getting ready all year for competition, only to have to stay inside amid the spread of coronavirus. But Westfield High School's senior athletes are being honored by a display of banners at Gary Kehler Stadium, and they're still working on their skills with their coaches.
More than 70 banners have been posted, representing each senior and the sport he or she plays, along the fence on Rahway Avenue.
“The boys' lacrosse team had ordered the banners to be hung on the inside of the fence for their season before the pandemic," explained Meg Freer, who with fellow parents Carolyn Buoscio, Nancy Csorba, and Paula McCauley organized the banner project. “When the season got disrupted, we decided to get a banner for all senior spring athletes to represent the season they are missing. We would love to see them be able to get back on the field at some point this spring!”
Freer says when the project is complete, 78 banners will hang outside the stadium.
“Hanging the banners at Kehler has added excitement and given hope to athletes and residents passing by,” added Buoscio. “It’s a fantastic visual and a nice way to celebrate these athletes who are staying fit and are ready to compete.”
Buoscio said it took the four parents two hours to hang the banners, observing proper physical distancing and wearing masks and gloves.
“We have sincere appreciation for health care workers who wear them all day, every day,” she said.
The vinyl banners, created by Go Ballistic Sports, represent boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls track and field, baseball, softball, boys tennis, boys golf and boys volleyball.
“We are all hopeful that there will be some type of modified spring schedule and the student athletes are working hard to be ready for any competition,” said Supervisor of Athletics Sandra Mamary, who said she was impressed with the ability of the athletes and coaches to maintain a positive outlook. “Our coaches are reaching out to our teams, working on their skills, watching team videos, participating in team yoga and team mindfulness classes. We are all in this together.”
Gov. Phil Murphy has said that schools are closed at least through May 15.
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This article originally appeared on the Westfield Patch
