By Magdalene Ko; News Editor

Now that basketball season is here, a staple activity for the Mills community would be to cheer on our teams during quads. Quads are when all four basketball teams played consecutively: jv and varsity for both genders. They were a great place to bond with each other, united in support of our basketball players. Unfortunately, this year the Peninsula Athletic League (PAL) has decided to remove quads because of Covid concerns. 

Quads this year would significantly increase the risk of contacting Covid, since the games would be too many people for too long in too small a space. The county health office mandated that schools can’t have over 1,000 people in the gym at the same time. Since quads can come pretty close to that number, PAL made the ultimate decision to change from quads to double headers. Athletic Director Mr. Keller explained that it was “to ensure we are safe in the gym with the number of people we’d be bringing into the space.” Previously, each school would host three quads and play three quads at other schools. The atmosphere would be excited and intense, surrounded by friends and other Vikings. Now, instead of playing four games in a row, two games will be hosted each Friday night, either a boy or girl team. 

Many students were in shock when they found out quads weren’t happening this year, while others were sad about the loss of such a vital part of high school life. Overall, they were mostly confused about what would happen to basketball season without quads, and were reassured to find out games would continue, albeit differently. Everyone conceded the need to stay safe, despite the sacrifices. Quads are just one more on the long list of victims of COVID, and it’s loss caused general anger amongst all. 

However, basketball players felt most strongly about the change of schedule. Overall, the majority were saddened but knew they would do their best either way. Vincent Lew (11) said “I felt very sad because we didn’t get quads last year either, again because of COVID.” Many students haven’t even experienced a real quad because of COVID’s long effect. Even though Juniors and Seniors had the chance to go as underclassmen, many now have more friends and know more people, which would change the experience of a quad. Gali Ramirez (10) also felt quads were indispensable. “I’ve been to quads when corona wasn’t a thing and they were one of the most fun things I’ve been to as a teen. Honestly, they’re kinda more interesting than football games.” Having doubles as a replacement might be fun, but can’t compare to the previous glory of quads. Ramirez suggested that rather than have one gender play a double, a good option would be having the two varsity teams play together. “We should have quads” he stated with conviction. Another player, Michelle Tang, (10) simply felt sad. “We’ll do our best anyway” she resolved. All wanted the return of quads, yet determined to play their best even with a smaller audience. 

Although this year has resumed some normalcy, COVID is still prevalent and lurking around the corner. Everyone might want to move on and keep going with regular activities like quads, but changes must be made just to keep what we already have. Despite the changes to the basketball games schedules the Mills team is bound to try the best and make their school proud.