Every East athlete playing in the spring and fall seasons outdoors has had to deal with their share of poor weather interrupting games and practices. Such weather includes heavy rain, hail, wind, and in some cases, snow. Despite this bad weather, many teams have decided to continue practice despite the inclement weather.

When the playing surfaces are affected by the weather, athletes are prone to injuring themselves, especially in the rain.

“When it’s raining, practices are less productive… It’s very annoying when practices are outside in bad weather. People are slipping and dropping balls… I think it’s not worth it,” said Luke Wilkins (‘28), a defensive back and wide receiver for the East football team.

Since the weather in the spring and fall is unpredictable, it leads to these dreaded practices.

The unfavorable weather has a large impact on students who drive to and from practice, as well as on athletes being picked up. When inclement weather hits, traffic runs more slowly and roads become slippery. This makes it harder for parents to pick up the athletes on time and results in them having to wait longer after practice.

“When I’m driving home from practice in the rain, it’s hard to get home on time. There is way too much traffic. Coming home sucks. I am soaked, sitting in traffic, and I know that I have homework to do when I get home,” said an anonymous East football player.

The weather impacts not only players but coaches as well. Whether it is extremely hot in August and May or freezing temperatures in late December, coaches have to deal with similar struggles.

“Weather has a great effect on how you prepare for the game…there are many factors that go in such as not playing your best because you are so focused on little things like not fumbling or slipping,” said Erick Wood, former head coach of East football and boys lacrosse and current coach of East girls golf. “If you have a practice scheduled and it’s inclement weather, you would move it inside unless you are planning on playing in that weather during the game or match.”

The climate has a significant effect on East athletics and is a challenge that players and coaches have to work around by changing practice and game plans, ultimately taking a toll on East athletes practice and game time.