The lost spring seniors: COVID-19's impact on Sumter, Clarendon, Lee high school athletes, Part V

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Senior athletes in spring sports have lost out on most of their final high school seasons because of the coronavirus, so The Sumter Item wanted to hear from them about what that lost spring means to them. The Item will be running this series over the next several editions to give them a voice during their lost spring.

Geryreon Peay - Sumter track and field

“Losing my spring season means to me don’t ever take anything for granted because it can always be taken away from you in just a matter of time. My team and I were looking forward to an amazing season and to compete in our state championships this year. I give my heart out to every senior athlete because I know how they feel, I feel the same way. Next year, I’m coming back even stronger and harder just because I didn’t get to finish my senior year how I wanted it to.”

Montrell White - Crestwood track and field

“To me losing my spring season sucks to me. With me I only ran two track meets this year. Going to the state championship my 10th and 11th grade year for long jump I was looking forward to getting first place trophy in the long jump my senior year. 10th grade I came in 8th place, 11th grade I came in 5th place and I was looking forward to get 1st place this year in the long jump. It still bothers me that I can’t run track my senior year but it is what it is.”

Madison Sliwonik - Wilson Hall Softball team

"Losing my senior season means not having the opportunity to soak in my last year of softball. After 9 years of playing this sport, I expected some type of closure whether it was senior night or getting the chance to go to state. There is an unsettling feeling knowing that I won’t get a proper ending to my softball career, but I would not have traded my years as a Wilson Hall softball player for anything. Unfortunately, I’ll be missing out on bonding with my team. I was so excited for that because everyone is so easy to get along with and fun. I was excited to make more memories with these girls, but now that the season has been cut short I am missing out on that."

Jessica Salinas - Manning  soccer

"I formed a family with so many people at my school. I had a family in cheer for 6 years, and one in soccer for 4. I never thought I’d leave my school with no real memories of what the high lights of being a senior are but unfortunately the class of 2020 just didn’t get that luxury. I was a part of the first ever girls’ soccer team at Manning High School and that is something I will always have with me. We made history this year, it’s sad not being able to finish and make even more memories but I know life is unpredictable and losing the rest of the spring season is heartbreaking but it allowed us to reflect on all the work we’ve put in and how much of a team we truly are. So I thank my school, coaches and team for helping me grow and prepare for the next step in my life."

JT Stanley - Laurence Manning baseball

"The season being cancelled is really disappointing as a senior. I’ve waited all my life for this season and having it cut short is very sad. This year I had big shoes to fill. We lost our ace on the pitching staff and I worked so hard this past fall and winter so I could help lead my team. With this virus, I’ve had all of that taken from me. All those extra hours lifting and practicing for nothing. I believe this year was our year. Once we got firing on all cylinders, we were easily a championship contender. We should playing in our playoff rounds this coming week. I have learned to never take anything for granted. I would do anything for another game or a late practice, but the Lord has a plan and it’s greater than ours. I am lucky enough to still have a college scholarship to play baseball in my future. To all my fellow seniors, stay strong and trust the Lord. To all my younger people, never take anything for granted."