Northwood football coach excited for first day of camp, then heard about postponement

Northwood High players take part in conditioning drills which included social distancing Monday. Players were limited to groups of 10 for safety reasons. (Photo courtesy Northwood football)

Northwood High School football coach Paige Nobles was excited to be back out at practice for the first day of athletic camp on Monday after officials with the Irvine Unified School District allowed for the camps to start. It was the first time since March, when the coronavirus pandemic struck, that Nobles had seen his players in person.

No footballs were allowed during the morning session and numerous safety precautions were taken.

However, later on Monday, Nobles had to inform his players and their parents that the camps had been postponed as officials with the Irvine Unified School District found out they needed more direction from state and county officials. It is not known when or if the camps will resume.

“I can’t tell you how excited I was for this day to come and see my returning  players along with our in-coming freshmen,” Nobles said in an Email. “I was so anxious I arrived on campus today around 4:30 this morning getting things set up for checking in our players and setting up our conditioning stations down on the football field.

“Today was a huge first step not only for Northwood’s football program but for all the IUSD’s programs starting summer camps today. It seemed like it was forever when I saw my returning players today for the first time in person since we left school back in March 2020.

“Even though we were observing social distancing and wearing facial masks it felt pretty normal being out on the field doing our conditioning stations. I honestly didn’t want today to end just in case there was no camp tomorrow.

“I had received numerous texts, phone calls and emails from parents and the players how today was awesome and they couldn’t wait to be at camp tomorrow.”

However, Nobles found out later the camps had been postponed throughout the district.

“Late this afternoon word came from our school district all IUSD’s summer camps were being postponed,” Nobles said. “I won’t lie. The news was hard to hear because I know how much all these student-athletes were looking for tomorrow morning and being with their teammates. But I also know our school district and my school’s administration will always make sure our student-athletes, coaches, and the families are being kept safe. I for one am extremely proud of being a part of such an amazing school district and school.

“I am really glad we were able to get out today and get the players together, (socially distanced apart of course)  and getting their heart rates up, and just seeing them have fun out there with their teammates.

“I know we will be back on campus and starting our camps back up just as soon as our school district feels it is safe to do so.”

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com