The Coach gets Glenbrook's thoughts - sports-related and otherwise - on the pandemic

Thought I'd try something different in this week's Coach's Corner.

Over the past month or so, I have surveyed people on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected them personally, and as far as their sports viewing, recreation or fitness is concerned. In their responses I had but one catch.

I told them to give me first thought - first thing that comes to mind AND tell me in just one sentence. Some fired out right away. Others had to think at least a little bit. And still others refused to talk, wondering "Who is this strange man asking me weird questions?" (Note: Some of those responses cannot be printed here)

At any rate, here is a sampling of what I heard:

• Ariel, dedicated employee of Northbrook's Ariczia Clothing Company (some really cool stuff, but clearly out of my wardrobe league): "Now that the NBA playoffs have been going on, my boyfriend has no time for me."

• Amy Hoffenberg, Northbrook's Athletico office coordinator: "Less people have been coming in, but it has definitely opened up an opportunity for people to get used to our new online telehealth."

• Chris Just, assistant manager at Wagner Farm in Glenview: "It has limited my activity for sure. I really like to play volleyball and, because of the virus, have had to find different places and different people to play with."

• Fernando Gallegos, proprietor Northbrook's Walking Company shoe store: "It sure hasn't helped the shoe business. Not as many people exercising, not as many people getting out, so not as many people coming in."

• Dana Johnson, Glenview Park District badminton instructor and current Niles West student: "I've gotten pretty lazy!"

• Peter Nestos, longtime Glenview baseball coach and owner of (try the Italian beef!) Spiro's restaurant: "As a coach, I think safety first. From what I see, the shutdown has mainly been to protect the parents and grandparents."

• Derek Jenson, Northbrook-based MOD Volleyball Club director: "It has really made it difficult for us to make any kind of projections as far as number of kids signing up."

• Terry Leske, longtime Glenview Park District basketball instructor: "I really miss the interaction I have had with the kids while coaching."

• Kevin, Northbrook, Play it Again Sports store employee: "I think it has made people realize how important sports had been to their lives."

• Gavin Cernick, former Glenbrook South star track runner: "It tests how passionate you are. During the pandemic, you really have to love something you're doing to stay with it."

• Charlie Colbert, veteran Northbrook Junior High and feeder basketball coach: "First thought? Hmm ... how about no March Madness! That really hurt."

• Tom Tisch, longtime Glenview resident and first-time author of about-to-be-released book "Emma's Waterloo": "I am a dedicated and die-hard Michigan State Spartan fan. It's been tough. But I understand the shutdown and we all have to be in it together."

• John Deom, Glenview Park Center workout warrior: "First thought on how the pandemic affected me? How about ... out-of-shape."

• Jordan Robinson, Northbrook Court security guard and Malcom X college basketball player: "It has been terrible for my mental state. No gyms to shoot around. Nowhere to exercise."

• Leif Schultz, Glenview Dairy Bar employee (may I suggest the warm butterscotch topping - in a cup - over a scoop of their delicious vanilla ice cream): "Haven't been able to play much sports, but at least watching some has helped."

• Michael Bauer, Northbrook Goodwill Center employee and starting quarterback for this year's (and last year's) Glenbrook South Titans: "It threw everyone on our team off at first, but now we are getting used to it."

• Levon Kirakosyan, owner of Glenview restaurant Siunik: "I don't follow sports that much, so it has not made much difference to me. Hey, you want to try the chicken and rice pilaf?"

• Tammy Suarez, Park Center front desk staff member: "It has really paralyzed sports. But I am still working, and that keeps me sane. It's my only therapy."

• Vicki Y., Glenbrook South mom and longtime Valley Lo Sports Club employee: "It has had a huge impact. But I worry that many sports programs are not following all the safety rules as they come back."

• Jeff, Glenview Library employee and dedicated Chicago White Sox fan: "It forced me to get outside more. Which is good - until winter comes, and then I can't do it anymore!"

• Austin Pohlman and Eli Wargo, staff members at Northbrook/Deerfield Revolution Movement company: "It has caused a lot of issues with people coming into the gym and staying healthy."

• Paul Ganvik, Glenview resident and ex-Glenbrook South basketball and baseball athlete, now father of two: "It just pulled us out of everything. Really tough on kids and us."

• And ... saving the best (?) for last.

• Ann Cohn (AKA the wife): "Hasn't made a bit of difference to me."

Again, just a sampling of responses, and let's hope we don't have to take this same survey again next year!

• Jon Cohn of Glenview is a coach, retired PE teacher, sports official and just an all-around local sports fan. Any topics you'd like to see him tackle? Email glenbrooknews@dailyherald.com and include "Coach's Corner" in the subject line.