Area track teams hopeful, trying to prepare for the season when and if it happens

The defending district champs are toughing it out.
“Unfortunately we are on a total shut down,” said Dock track and field coach Tim Eger, whose boys and girls squads captured District 1-2A Championships last spring. “I am able to pass individual workouts on to my athletes that elect to request them and do them.
“It’s been very difficult. My heart goes out to my seniors. We had high expectations for this season and hope we can salvage some aspect of a spring season.”
Dock and the rest of the area’s track and field teams are on hold, waiting out the delay of the spring season due to the coronavirus.
But they’re trying to keep busy and in shape during the down time.
“We are waiting just like all of the other schools, across the state (country), to see if the season will unfold,” said Lansdale Catholic coach Matt Connelly. “Keeping a routine communication with the members of our team and their families has been important to make sure everyone is safe and healthy.
“The directive from the governor’s office and PIAA is that no team or captain’s practices are to be taking place. We suggest to the kids that they can train on their own for two reasons. First, it’s something they can do independently that is healthy (both physically and mentally), especially in a time of uncertainty, to balance their online academics. The second reason, they can maintain some fitness if and when a spring season begins. Our mindset is that we are looking forward to having a spring season.”
Souderton Area looked plenty ready to go bursting into the spring.
“I was very excited about how hard they were working the first two weeks,” Big Red coach John Donahue said. “This shut down has been tough for all of the athletes but I especially feel so bad for our seniors.
“I have been in virtual contact with many of the athletes and have been sending workouts, which is good for distance. It is so tough for field events. You can’t really practice pole vault or high jump at your house. I just hope we have something of a season. Even if we just have a meet or two and go right into leagues, I want our seniors to at least have that.”
The five-time defending Suburban One League Continental Conference Champs are also preparing any way they can.
“Since we were shut down, I have been sending workouts to the team every day,” Pennridge boys coach Bob Hosier said. “Since we are not supposed to use our track (or anyone else’s track), it makes working out very difficult.
“The boys do all they can to simulate a track or measure out some distances. If the PIAA has a plan for what is left of our spring season, they have not yet made it public.”