The 2020-21 FCPS diving season will continue quite differently than previous years due to COVID-19 restrictions. FCPS Diving coach, Mike Good, explains that all “student-athletes, when not in the pool or on the diving board, must wear face coverings and practice social distancing” and that “only 15 divers will be allowed to practice at one time.” 

This year during meets, no spectators will be allowed to watch the events because of the current restrictions. There will also be no exhibition events so divers that don’t have the required dives will not be able to compete. This year’s season will last 9 weeks and will not have post-season championship meets.

Last year, the dive team was one of the best in the state with 2 divers finishing within the top of the region, one going to compete in the state championship, and 2 divers winning Frederick News posts divers of the year. 

Oakdale Senior diver, Morgan Doolittle, says she’s “excited for meets and finally getting board time after being in quarantine all summer” and “would love to place first or second at counties” if given the opportunity.  

This year, with key divers back for their senior year and many returning juniors, things are looking good for the Oakdale dive team. This year, as always, Coach Good is focusing on safety, growth, and fun for everyone on the team. After seeing “many accidents arise from divers having inadequate instruction,” Good likes to go more in depth with his corrections which gives his divers a better understanding on what to fix. 

He “[hopes] that it will be as much fun for [his] divers as it was for [him]” so he “always [tries] to keep practices light” allowing for physical, emotional, and mental growth throughout the season. 

This year especially the dive team, as well all winter sports, are very important to students and parents within FCPS. It allows students and staff to safely get out of the house and do something they enjoy. 

Junior Nic Moyer explained, “I’m most excited about being able to be back with my friends and try to enjoy the year as much as possible…I really want to try to have something as normal as possible to pre pandemic”

Most divers are unsure how well their performance this year due to quarantine and lack of practice time but they are working hard, staying positive, and having fun.