OSU Spikeball versus COVID-19

Among the many things that COVID-19 has altered, the Oklahoma State Spikeball team is feeling the restriction.

Back in March of 2020 when students got send home the spikeball team was just getting into the heat of there season. Like many sports, their season was abruptly cut off and they halted play.

When the players came back in the fall they were thrilled to get to play again but new guidelines were established to slow the spread among the players.

These restrictions enforced socail distancing, limited team numbers and cancelled competions. The biggest change for players however was that they were no longer allowed to play in teams but had to play one-on-one as individuals for matches.

Normally, spikeball is played with teams of two. This allows for better teamworks and make the game more competitive because of the coordination required between teammates.

The limitation against team play has forced players to adapt to new methods of play. Most players are now strategizing how to best cover all around the net despite being alone which has proved challenging.

"It's way different to not have your teammate to support you, you practice how to pass to eachother and so sometimes it's confusing when you're alone to pass it to no one," Josh Hewlett said.

Hewlett, who is captian of the OSU Spikeball team, has been playing for several years and is recognized as No. 48 in Top 100 players list released by the Texas Association for the Sport of Roundnet (TASR).

Despite all of the restrictions the spikeball team was able to host a successful tournament in November 2020. Twenty-six teams competed in individual play in advanced and intermediate divisions.

As COVID-19 restrictions continue to decrease, the team hopes that they will be able to continue to build off of their momentum from this year and be even better when team competitions are allowed.