The lost spring seniors: COVID-19's impact on Sumter, Clarendon, Lee high school athletes, Part XIV

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Senior athletes in spring sports have lost out on most of their final high school seasons because of the coronavirus, so The Sumter Item wanted to hear from them about what that lost spring means to them. The Item will be running this series over the next several editions to give them a voice during their lost spring.

Dejuan Felder - Manning soccer

“I am very mad that our season ended early. We had a good team and coaching staff that made it fun to be playing soccer. I'm most importantly going to miss the bus rides. I'm going to miss soccer a lot and I hope they have a great season next year. I'm out.”

Tori Beth Weeks – Manning softball

“Gosh, I never thought my senior year would be cut short. This was supposed to be our year…my year to push myself more than ever, to be a leader, to play my last season as a monarch. I wish the best for all my seniors!”

Marquise Pearson – East Clarendon baseball

“We were looking forward to an amazing season and being the state champions this year. Being unable to play baseball our senior year has caused a lot of emotions for our team, coach, and parents. Thankfully we were able to have our Senior night and fellowship with our team and family. I'm just grateful I will have another chance to play baseball at the collegiate level with Morris College. I am looking forward to the next level.”

Jay Welch – Wilson Hall soccer

“Though my Senior Soccer season was cut short, I will always have the fun memories of being a part of the Wilson Hall Soccer Team. We were fortunate to have the most enthusiastic fans (aka our parents). Coach McCabe (née Affronti) and Coach David Tussey were wonderful coaches who pushed us to be the best we could be. I will also remember hearing “Go Double-Naught” from the stands and my successful penalty kick against Orangeburg Prep in 2019. Thank you for the opportunity Wilson Hall!”  

Anthony Conner - Sumter soccer

“Losing my senior season means too me is not being able too play the sport I love for the last time.I will miss playing in a sumter high soccer jersey. The sport I love playing wiped away from me. It's hard too get over that.”