Walking into practice, senior varsity soccer player Evan DeJong dropped his phone and ran over to his coach, asking if they were having a fall season.

“It’s really exciting to know I can have a season,” DeJong said. “The anticipation of waiting to see what was going to happen was something I’ve never experienced before; I’ve never been more anxious to get out on the field and play. [I’m] really grateful to get a chance to play in these crazy times.”

The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced the Representative Council’s decision to reinstate fall sports per their announcement on Thursday, Sept. 3. For Eisenhower, this meant distributing equipment starting Monday, Sept. 7 and starting practices on Tuesday, Sept. 8, according to JV football coach David Drath. 

“The ruling means the players get to play the game that they love and the coaches get to teach the great lesson you learn from playing a team sport,” varsity football coach Chris Smith said.

With the MSHAA’s decision to reinstate fall sports comes shortened seasons and a spectator limit of two per participant.

“I think it’s fine for the fall sports to come back, especially if they’re outdoor sports,” junior Christina Elezaj said. “It’ll get people out and able to socialize and exercise.”