Raider Roundtable

This week's newsletter is the 9th edition to be shared with members of our school and athletic community since September. This week marks the first step in expanding its reach to the broader athletic community to provide meaningful communication with more of Raider Nation. Contact the Athletic Department with comments or suggestions.

• All in-person practices and competitions are paused until further notice.
• Coaches are implementing virtual training plans for winter sports athletes.

Off-Season Sports (Fall & Spring) / HS & MS

• All in-person workouts for off-season sports are paused until further notice.

This week, the OHSAA reaffirmed its position to allow individual districts to determine their course of action with regards to winter sports. This 'hands-off' decision is based on the following survey results from OHSAA member schools:

• 56% = move forward without any pause/delay to winter sports
• 33% = pause winter sports and define a statewide restart date in early January
• 11% = pause winter sports indefinitely

While most districts would prefer a consistent, state-wide approach to athletics during the pandemic, the OHSAA's decision does provide each district the flexibility to adjust its plans based on the needs of its community and stakeholders.

The Athletic Department and district administration continue to monitor available information regarding the status of Winter Sports; any decision to return to in-person practices and/or competitions will prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of our athletes, coaches, and staff. Some important resources to review:

1. Cuyahoga County Stay-At-Home-Advisory
2. Ohio Public Health Advisory System
3. Cuyahoga County Board of Health
4. Ohio Director of Health Order

Athletes, their families, and coaches/staff are reminded of the importance of following established COVID protocols (Face Coverings, Social Distancing, Frequent Hand Washing) during our Winter Sports Pause. Our goal is to return to practices and competitions as soon as possible, and all stakeholders play an important role in making that happen.

The Winter Sports Pause affords athletes and coaches a chance to reset and address any academic or administrative concerns that may exist. Here are some suggestions for both athletes and coaches to maximize their time away from practices and competitions:

Academics / Athletes

Athletes are encouraged to address individual academic concerns - missing assignments, low grades, etc. Athletes should contact their teachers with any questions on how to improve (if needed) their academic standing.

Academic Eligibility / All

Athletes, their families, and coaches should review our district's eligibility guidelines as outlined in our Athlete Code of Conduct to determine 2nd and 3rd quarter athletic eligibility for winter sports. These guidelines will be enforced once winter sports return to in-person athletic activities.

• Enroll in and pass five (5) full-credit classes (not PE)
• Earn a minimum 2.0 GPA

Academics / Coaches

This week, coaches will receive academic reports, address concerns with individual athletes, and review academic expectations with their entire program.

Final Forms / All

Athletes, their families, and coaches need to monitor Final Forms for compliance. There are many winter sports athletes with expiring physicals that need to be updated in advance of a potential return to in-person athletic activities. Full compliance is required for athletic participation at both the High School and Middle School.

Virtual Training & Communication

Coaches have access to a Google Classroom set up for each team to assist with communication during the Winter Sports Pause. For more information on how to access and use this valuable resource, contact Mr. Enie.

The challenges of this school year and athletic seasons reinforce the need to acknowledge the countless people in our lives who provide the support, friendship, and guidance during these difficult and uncertain times. Happy Thanksgiving to you, your families, and Raider Nation!

Join me in "shouting out" the healthcare providers and first responders from our Shaker Heights community who always go the extra mile to keep us safe and protected - you are appreciated!. Many thanks for your selfless and tireless efforts today and every day.

Also, thanks to Trainer Bob, Trainer Rachael, Doc Bilal, and our entire team from Cleveland Clinic Sports Health.

"He shows that you can make a difference in your corner

of the world by doing what you can with what you have."

― Amanda Rhomberg ―

The recent pause of winter sports in many districts is a reminder of the challenges that we have and will continue to face with athletics in a pandemic. Our athletes and coaches are wonderful examples of those who grow in the face of adversity and make the most of their opportunities, whether in-person or virtual. Each of these obstacles affords our athletes and coaches a chance to collaborate, communicate, and create in ways never imagined; they continue working hard to find the value that each day brings.

This week's Mental Workout follows 12-year old Tommy Rhomberg of Mount Vernon, Iowa. His story embodies the spirit of finding value in the face of a setback and reminds us that while we may not be able to control what happens to us, we always have a choice in how we respond.

VIKKI LONG

Administrative Assistant

Department of Athletics

Birthplace / Cleveland, Ohio

College / Grand Canyon University, English major

Instruments I play / Bass Guitar, Upright Bass and Piano

Favorite Athlete / Lebron James, mostly due to his humanitarian attributes

Favorite TV Show / Anything to do with home design and renovations - HGTV!!!!!

Favorite Book / The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Favorite Food / ITALIAN anything

What would I sing at karaoke night / Apple Tree by Erykah Badu

One not yet completed item on your bucket list / Skydiving

Who would play you in a movie about your life / Angela Bassett

Useless/interesting fact about you? I sing the church choir, I DIY projects and I love plants! I know it said one useless fact, but I have many -hahahah!

How did/do sports shape your personal and professional life? I literally became an athlete when I started coaching at Shaker. Becoming a coach allowed me to not only find my strengths physically and emotionally, but it also grounded me in becoming a great listener to not only our young athletes, but to people in general. I became a strength and conditioning coach to others outside of the school setting, and the experience was beyond rewarding, because it catapulted me to help and inspire people to reach their goals. Sports has grounded me in life's lessons when it comes to setting and reaching milestones. Even though I did not graduate from Shaker, I am proud to be a part of our Raider Nation.

Winter athletes participating in the Independent Study program should contact Mr. Enie at enie_m@shaker.org with any questions.

Visit the Shaker Schools Foundation to learn about ways to support current and future projects that benefit our students, athletes, coaches, and programs. Check out the Raider Athletic Center project that will greatly enhance fitness programming for our athletes and students.

Families are encouraged to join the Shaker Sports Boosters group and discover the many ways to support our athletes, coaches, and programs throughout the year. For more information on the benefits of a booster membership, visit www.shakersportsboosters.com

Be sure to drive past the stadium later this week to check out the senior banners for our winter athletes. Many thanks to Meredith Camp and Gary Adams for their efforts with this project. Also, thank you to the Sports Boosters for their efforts in hanging the banners so all of Raider Nation can celebrate our senior winter sports athletes!

The football program is coordinating a winter team shop just in time for holiday shopping - hoodies, jackets, scarves, gloves, mugs, & more...

https://www.bsnteamsports.com/shop/SHAKERFB20

The store closes on November 25 to ensure that all orders will be in before winter break. Contact Coach Nicholson, head football coach, at nicholson_a@shaker.org with any questions.

Mike Babinec / Athletic Director (Interim)

Marc Enie / Assistant Athletic Director (Interim)

Vikki Long / Administrative Assistant

Email: babinec_m@shaker.org
Website: www.shaker.org/athletics
Location: 15911 Aldersyde Drive, Shaker Heights, OH, USA
Phone: 216-295-4284
Twitter: @raidersofshaker