The moment that many of Northport-East Northport student athletes have been waiting for has arrived with the return of low-risk winter sports. Beginning January 7th, Northport High School boys and girls track and bowling teams as well as boys swimming began practicing for their shortened season.  

The boy’s swim team kicked off with some conditioning on the field before returning to the local YMCA to get in the water, while track teams also began warming up and making their way around the track.  

The bowling season officially kicked off on Monday, January 11th at Larkfield Lanes, with excited bowling team participants getting back into the rhythm of competing. The bowling alley, complete with plastic barriers between each lane, had various measures in place to keep students safe. 

Despite the cold weather and unique circumstances, students appeared excited for the beginning of the season. Northport Girls Track team captain Grace Wertheimer shared “I’m excited that we got back at all. Running alone is hard because there is not as much motivation, so being around other people is definitely a positive for me.”  

“Seeing how excited the students were to return to their sports made all of the additional planning worth it” shared Mark Dantuono, director of physical education, health and athletics for the district. “It brought back a sense of normalcy to see them competing and enjoying themselves, and we can’t wait for all of our athletes to do the same.”