Davis Whitfield was the commissioner of the N.C. High School Athletic Association for five years and now works at the NFHS office in Indianapolis as the Chief Operating Officer. He joined Nick Stevens on the podcast to discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic to high school sports nationally, and explains why he thinks the NCHSAA is in a better position than most other states to weather the storm. Davis also talks about some issues the NCAA will face with initial eligibility, and he touches on the cancelation of the ACC Tournament -- an event he was heavily involved with before moving to the NCHSAA.

Links:

NFHS Learn website

HighSchoolOT Benched

Sports psychologist Dr. Bradley Hack of Carolina Strategies in Cary speaks to Nick Stevens about how athletes can manage their stress levels and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent sports suspension. Dr. Hack says athletes are well-equipped to handle the added stress because of practices and lessons they've learned as athletes. He also offers seven tips to help athletes get through the pandemic.

Links:

Helping Athletes Cope with the Challenges of COVID-19

James Alverson, the assistant commissioner of the N.C. High School Athletic Association, joined Nick Stevens on the HighSchoolOT Benched Podcast to talk about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on high school sports. He tells the story of the day high school sports were suspended, and also gives some hope for senior athletes who hope to play again before their senior years come to an end. Plus, find out how some of the decision-making takes place within the NCHSAA on issues like suspending sports statewide.

Links:

Nick Stevens: The day high school sports suddenly stopped

Nick Stevens: The role of coaches during the coronavirus pandemic

Nick Stevens: What the NCHSAA didn't do is reason to stay hopeful

Cardinal Gibbons High School head football coach Steven Wright is not only a football coach, he's also an ordained reverend. He spoke with Nick Stevens about how he is approaching the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic as a coach, but also how he's approaching it from a religious perspective. Wright also offered some advice for kids, especially seniors, who may be struggling with current events.

Rick Strunk, the retired NCHSAA Associate Commissioner, worked for the association for 30 years. He said the association had dealt with things like hurricanes, winter storms, measles and MRSA outbreaks, and even things like war and 9/11, but COVID-19 is unprecedented. Rick offered some insight into the 1918 flu pandemic, which canceled the NCHSAA football state championships, and said he knows the NCHSAA will do its best to give the kids across North Carolina a chance to have a spring season.

The N.C. High School Athletic Association announced on Monday that is was extending the suspension of high school athletics through May 18. Nick Stevens says, while that may look like bad news on the surface, there is a reason to be hopeful. You'll also hear Kyle Morton's interview with Millbrook OL Diego Pounds, who has seen his recruitment pick up during the pandemic. And Nick will introduce you to a Cuthbertson senior, Mackenzie Townsend, who wrote a letter about what this is like to endure as a senior.

LINKS:

Subscribe to the HSOT Benched Newsletter

Cuthbertson senior Mackenzie Townsend pends letter to running as season hangs in balance

Millbrook's Pounds sees recruiting pick up despite coronavirus outbreak

In the first episode of HighSchoolOT's Benched Podcast, host and managing editor Nick Stevens talks about the effects that the coronavirus pandemic is having on high school sports and high school athletes, especially seniors, and explains why it's so important that coaches are involved right now. You'll also hear from Clayton High School principal Dr. Bennett Jones on his experiences implementing online learning at his school since 2016. Plus, the Richmond High School football coaching staff gives us a needed laugh holding a mock press conference.

Links:

HSOT's coronavirus coverage

Stevens: The role of coaches during the coronavirus pandemic

HSOT re-stream & live stream schedule

With sports suspended and schools closed for an extended period of time, coaches and players are having to adjust to a new normal. HighSchoolOT is here to walk you through the process and update you on how different teams are approaching the pandemic.​