Knowing that the spring sports season is hanging in the balance due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Elk Grove boys water polo coach Mike Nauert and his athletes are being patient. 

But he is also eager to get his squad back in the pool.

“The IHSA has stated that we cannot practice or organize anything for our teams,” Nauert said via email.

On Friday, March 13, the IHSA placed limits on spring sports teams as the COVID-19 outbreak spread throughout the United States.

Senior water polo athlete Paolo Lossaco said that the COVID-19 outbreak has affected him in a few ways. He said this time at home has been tough for him as a senior, because all he wants to do is play water polo and get on with his season.

“Although me and my teammates aren’t able to get in the water, we have been trying to workout as much as possible to stay in shape,” Lossaco said in an email. 

Lossaco said he hopes he can get many more opportunities to play with his teammates and exceed expectations this year.

“We are trying to stay in shape just in case we ever get the chance to play again,” Lossaco said via email.

The IHSA released an FAQ on its website March 17. March 31 remains the target date for sports to resume, but according to the update, it might be “too early to say definitively that IHSA activities will resume” that day.

Although the rest of the Elk Grove boys water polo season is pending, Nauert said he is still optimistic about the future ahead for his team.

Nauert said he is hoping for the team to mark above a .500 record, especially considering the amount of starters the Grens get back this season. Players such as Lossaco and Joe Mizialko are key contributors.

“We have a lot of returning starters this season, so it should be pretty exciting,” Nauert said via email.