Kee baseball team returns seven varsity letterwinners to compete in a jam-packed schedule during the virus-shortened 2020 season
The 2020 Kee baseball team will be among all others across the state of Iowa dealing with the bittersweet reality of getting to take to the field for any type of season at all this summer. The COVID-19 pandemic that ultimately ended the school year in Iowa and continues to impact many life aspects, including the high school baseball season, has gradually loosened its grip and is allowing for Iowa high school teams to return to action, although under some guided restrictions for the health and safety of all involved.
“We are extremely grateful to be playing in 2020 and we put together a full schedule for the three-and-a-half weeks,” Kee baseball coach Jim Mauss said. “That being said, we initially had a 39-game schedule including weekend tournaments every Saturday during the season and we had two overnight trips that we are not able to do for the guys.”
In addition to the disappointments of not being able to play a full schedule this season, Coach Mauss says there are also considerable challenges to address in being able to play at all this season. However, he says his players are ready to do what’s being asked of them in order to be able to play the game they love.
“Once the guys get on the field they just want to play ball,” Coach Mauss shared. “It has been challenging to remind the guys to social distance and follow the guidelines that the State has put place, but everyone has bought in. It’s our job as coaches to take the necessary time to teach, remind and enforce those rules to make sure we can have a successful season.”
As is typically the case each year, preparation for this season began long before COVID-19 began to impact the school year. That impact also brought with it an end to any normal preparation or practice routine, but Coach Mauss made sure his charges had opportunities to continue their preparation.
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