“This is the strangest thing I’ve ever experienced in my coaching career.” Those are the words of Manitowoc Lincoln High School Tennis Coach Bob Feller, when asked about the shutdown of school & sports for COVID-19.
Feller, who has served as Ships varsity coach for 45-years, said “it’s almost a leap of faith (in waiting for the season to start) and, he’s most concerned about his players as human beings.”
He explains an article forwarded to him by Athletic Director Dave Steavpack indicates that it’s okay to grieve and advises young athletes to develop a regular routine while at home in terms of diet and sleep.
Coach Feller says he and assistant Jim Newberg stay in touch with the players on zoom face to face technology during their regular practice times Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The student-athletes have regular assignments for cardio workouts, volleys & ground strokes that are recorded as video on their phones & returned to Feller for his feedback.
The veteran Ships coach said he’s “most impressed” with the leadership of his two senior co-captains, Jack Rotter & Chandler Holschbach, during these uncommon times, adding it would be easy for them not to put in the work with their season in limbo.
The WIAA hasn’t made a decision yet on Spring Sports and school is still on hold, but, as Bob Feller told us, “Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best in that we’ll be able to at least get in part of the schedule.”
