Protocols changing, but basic goals the same for covering prep sports

Before high school sports returned in August, I helped with our Cubs and White Sox coverage. I found quite a change from years past now that reporters are not allowed into locker rooms.

We used to arrive at Wrigley Field or Guaranteed Rate Field three to four hours before the game for pregame interviews. Now all interviews with players and managers are through Zoom.

That left me wondering just how different high school sports coverage would be in the age of COVID-19. We weren't going to be able to interview athletes the same way the pros do it, but we also weren't going to be able to walk right up to a player or coach after a game as I've done for the Daily Herald the last 25 years.

For starters, we lost out on football, volleyball and boys soccer this fall - even while states around us play on. While those three are being delayed until the spring by the IHSA, four fall sports are being played that offered a great chance to see how covering high school sports might change.

Golf, cross country, tennis and swimming are being played this fall. I've had a chance to cover every sport so far except swimming, and I've seen quite a variety in protocols. Just as you can go to eat at one restaurant where everyone wears masks and social distances, then find yourself in a crowd someplace else that doesn't follow the same safety guidelines, there are inconsistencies in prep sports.

I plan ahead more now. I always contact the athletic director of the hosting school to make sure it's OK to cover and see if there are any special COVID-19 guidelines.

I've been at cross country races where reporters are put in a certain spot to watch instead of being able to jog to different locations on the course to see the athletes run.

I've been at tennis tournaments where parents have to watch from their cars in the parking lot when some schools did not allow spectators by the courts.

I've covered more golf than anything, and I have found it an extremely safe sport to play. I can still follow the golfers on the course.

I've worn a mask at all of these events and kept my distance. I've done interviews with kids on their phones instead of face-to-face, though that has been rare. Most of the time everyone is fine with interviews in person as long as we are both wearing masks and staying six feet apart.

I've gained a new appreciation for just being able to cover these sports. While I've always loved my job, I probably took it for granted at times. Now after seeing an entire spring season canceled and so much uncertainty about whether IHSA sports would return this fall, I feel a renewed joy every time I head to a match, tournament or invitational.

To be honest, covering prep sports hasn't been as different as I expected. In our world, we learned at the Daily Herald from the late legend Bob Frisk that the story is always positive, and it's all about these high-achieving student-athletes and their accomplishments. That's true now more than ever.

I've found covering these prep events is trending toward more normal the further we get into the season. And that goes down as a big win in my book.