While the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak has kept high school sports teams off the field, it hasn’t stopped a number of Pascack Valley teams from training from home while awaiting a verdict regarding a possible return of spring sports.

A number of PV coaches have issued voluntary workout routines to their teams, consisting of daily tasks to complete in order to stay ready for the season. Others held challenges, such as a trick-shot putting competition taken part in by numerous members of the golf team. 

Top winners for Valley Golf’s 1st ever Virtual Putting Challenge. Congrats to Jake Zaretsky + Thomas Barlow on your impressive putting skills.Keep up the creative ways of sticking together as a team remotely!!#ValleyPride @PascackValleyHS @pvrhsd @pvsportscenter @PascackValleyTV pic.twitter.com/bB6AvhZJUj

— Pascack Valley Athletics (@indianathletics) April 5, 2020

The winners of the competition were voted on by Superintendent Erik Gundersen, Interim Principal John Puccio, Assistant Principal Tom Gallione, Athletic Director Shawn Buchanan, and Thomas Koch – the son of head golf coach Brian Koch. Both will receive a box of Pro V1X golf balls.

Here’s Thomas Barlow’s Virtual Putting Challenge video. Top winner along with Jake Zaretsky. Keep up the great work Valley Golf!! #ValleyPride @PascackValleyHS @pvrhsd @pvsportscenter @PascackValleyTV pic.twitter.com/UJglRJAwr4

— Pascack Valley Athletics (@indianathletics) April 5, 2020

Because it is difficult for coaches to know for sure who is completing the exercises and who is not, there is an aspect of accountability for the athletes. However, while the at-home workouts are technically optional, many players understand the importance of staying in game-shape.

“The responsibility is all on the players,” junior football and lacrosse player Aiden Ward said. “If you want to stay ahead of the competition and be ready for whenever the season begins, you have to make sure you are in the right place physically.”