Fall sports are back in action and unlike a year ago, students are allowed to show their support in person. 

For now, students who decide to show their support do not have to wear masks outside. However, they need to safely cover their nose and mouth at indoor events.

As the football team kicks off it’s 2021 season, it’s safe to say that both the players and students missed each other last year. 

 “​​It was pretty bad, you know, just having a bunch of parents. No chants, no student section, it was just dead,” senior running back Jayden Ford said.

“I miss the hype of the student section on nearly every play,” senior fan Jared Fetty said. 

The Nordic Nasties and players are excited to be reunited under the Friday night lights for the class of 2022’s senior year. “I’m pretty excited we’ll have the cheerleaders, the student section, it’s gonna be louder,” Ford said.

As far as expectation for the product on the field goes, “winning some football games, I feel like we have a good football core, good coaches, and seniors that are dedicated,” Ford said.

Head football coach Tim Callaghan doesn’t disagree with Ford. Coach Callaghan is looking forward to seeing the hard work the boys have put in pay off. 

The soccer squad had a similar experience with last year’s covid season. 

“It wasn’t the same atmosphere…we didn’t get the same roar when we scored,” senior captain Tyler VanDeventer said. 

VanDeventer specifically would’ve loved to hear the crowd explode in last year’s overtime win in the regional championship. Perhaps the team will experience something similar this year with fans as, “the goal is always to make it to state,” VanDeventer said.

If you’re looking to mark your calendar for a soccer game to catch, VanDeventer said he’s looking forward to senior night against Shawnee Mission Northwest, Thursday, October 14th at 7 p.m.

Girls golf tees off their first season under Mark Lange as head coach this fall. Lange says he is looking forward to getting better each day and improving our tournament standings throughout the season.

Almost every sport felt the impact of Covid-19 on their seasons.

 “It will be great to get back to a normal season this year given all the changes due to COVID last year,” cross country coach Jeff Onnen said.

The girls tennis team might have the most difficult adjustment to covid. 

“Last year was a lot more strict. We had to do surveys and wear masks all the time, we couldn’t touch other teams’ tennis balls with our balls or pass on the same side of the court,” senior player Sameen Basha said.

“There were no team dinners or outings, the entire team was more than willing to do what we had to if it meant we had a season and kept everyone safe but we’re definitely all really excited to get to do all of these things again,” Basha said.

Head tennis coach Andrew Pledge is on the same page as Basha.

“This season will be close to a return to normal, so I am excited to practice and hopefully do well at the end of the season.  We also will hopefully be able to continue some fun traditions, like secret sisters and team dinners,” Pledge said.

Last but certainly not least, the volleyball squad is excited to be back in action this fall. 

“I am looking forward to having our gym filled with fans and students to support our program. I am also looking forward to all of our teams, showcasing their talent and competing at a high level this year,” volleyball Coach Emily Tripp said.

It’s no secret the players and coaches are excited for the season and you should be too. Make sure to come support our Viking athletics this fall whether it’s football, boys soccer, girls tennis, cross country, girls golf, volleyball, or gymnastics.