Strike Would Halt Rockford Sports 3/27/12
By: Scott Leber
Updated: March 27, 2012
Rockford, Illinois-Empty softball fields, empty baseball fields, empty tracks, tennis courts and soccer fields. No one in the dugouts or bleachers either. We could be just days away from that if the Rockford District 205 teacher strike happens.
"I've been doing track for a couple years, and to have it stop suddenly for something that doesn't personally affect us is something I would not be happy about," said Auburn track & field competitor Stephen Coy to WTVO.
No only would games and meets be cancelled, practices couldn't be held either.
When asked what she would do after school if that were the case Auburn track & field athlete Tamara Ford said, "I'm just going to go home. There would be nothing to do really."
I'm definitely concerned about that (a strike)," said Auburn soccer player Bethany Cooper. "Soccer is something we look forward to all year long. From the time last season ends we're looking forward to getting out here on the field and playing."
Even if a strike is a short one it could throw off the training of top athletes who have hopes of competing for state championships. Jefferson pole vaulter Joe Ward just won an indoor State Championship. Now he wants to do the same outdoors.
"Right now I'm not thinking about it (a strike) too much," said Ward to WTVO. "I'm focused on what I need to get done. If it will last longer than expected then there will be thoughts of worry on my mind."
Strikes have made a dent in sports in the Stateline over the last decade. A strike at Hononegah in the fall of 2003 forced the football team to forfeit its final two regular season games. As a result the Indians missed the playoffs.
Strikes at Harlem in August of 2004 and 2007 caused the football team there to forfeit it's opening games.
Rockford athletes are hoping for the best.
RaeMani Ross, another track and field athlete at Auburn believes the teachers and administrators will reach a settlement averting a strike.
"I think so. This can't go on forever," said Ross. They have to come to some type of agreement."
"I've been doing track for a couple years, and to have it stop suddenly for something that doesn't personally affect us is something I would not be happy about," said Auburn track & field competitor Stephen Coy to WTVO.
No only would games and meets be cancelled, practices couldn't be held either.
When asked what she would do after school if that were the case Auburn track & field athlete Tamara Ford said, "I'm just going to go home. There would be nothing to do really."
I'm definitely concerned about that (a strike)," said Auburn soccer player Bethany Cooper. "Soccer is something we look forward to all year long. From the time last season ends we're looking forward to getting out here on the field and playing."
Even if a strike is a short one it could throw off the training of top athletes who have hopes of competing for state championships. Jefferson pole vaulter Joe Ward just won an indoor State Championship. Now he wants to do the same outdoors.
"Right now I'm not thinking about it (a strike) too much," said Ward to WTVO. "I'm focused on what I need to get done. If it will last longer than expected then there will be thoughts of worry on my mind."
Strikes have made a dent in sports in the Stateline over the last decade. A strike at Hononegah in the fall of 2003 forced the football team to forfeit its final two regular season games. As a result the Indians missed the playoffs.
Strikes at Harlem in August of 2004 and 2007 caused the football team there to forfeit it's opening games.
Rockford athletes are hoping for the best.
RaeMani Ross, another track and field athlete at Auburn believes the teachers and administrators will reach a settlement averting a strike.
"I think so. This can't go on forever," said Ross. They have to come to some type of agreement."
