It has been a sports season unlike any other for high school athletes across the nation and here in Minnesota.

On Thursday, the Minnesota State High School League upheld its decision to delay the start of most winter sports.

WDIO spoke to high school athletes and coaches about the impact.

Brooke Maciver has been dancing for over a decade. Today, she serves as the captain of Denfeld High School’s Dance Team. She said this year has been unlike any other.

“It’s been difficult just knowing what the future holds and what to plan for versus a normal season,” Maciver said.

While the dance season started back in November, in-person practice is not allowed. As a result, Maciver and her team have had to practice virtually.

“It’s tough. Zoom dance is not that easy,” Maciver said. “Music will cut out, people will freeze and you don’t really know what’s going on all the time.”

Kade Shea has been playing hockey since he was four. Now, he is the captain of the Denfeld High School Hockey Team. He too, said this year has been a struggle.

“We've put so much time into the sport and you know, we've been preparing for this. For a lot of our seniors, it’s their senior year and it feels like: 'Is this even going to happen?,’" Shea said.

Unlike dance, hockey has not started for the season and will not start until the end of December or early January if Governor Walz lifts his current restrictions.

“COVID is not letting us get together and do what we would normally do to prepare for the season, so getting prepared has really got to come from the individual,” Shea said.

In addition to athletes, coaches have had to adapt to the times.

Patrick Andrews, Head Coach of Hermantown Hockey said he hopes the season will start no later than January 4th. In the meantime, Andrews said he has been doing what he can to help his players prepare.

“We've been sending the guys videos and different things—just game tape discussions and jokes and we also have our workout program that we sent out to them as well,” Andrews said.

Until their season is able to start, Andrews said he and his team will continue doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Sports are a huge part of life, but at the end of the day, they are also just a part of life and I think the bigger thing is that people live and we do our part with that,” Andrews said.

The following sports' seasons were delayed:

• Adapted Floor Hockey
• Alpine Skiing
• Girls and Boys Basketball
• Girls Gymnastics
• Girls and Boys Hockey
• Nordic Ski Racing
• Boys Swim and Dive
• Wrestling

Dance, which already began, remains in season, but only virtually.

To read the original article and see related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/sports/high-school-athletes-and-coaches-react-to-delay-in-winter-sports-/594160...