Adding to the grimness of what we all have been dealing with, the weather outside was dreary and raining as the dawning of another day of homebound isolation dawned upon us. Jean, entering the bedroom as I was pulling myself out from under the covers, glanced up at the bookcase over our bed and asked, “Have you read all those books?”

Assuring her that I had, she shrugged and replied, “Well, I was just trying to find something else for you to do to occupy your time.”

Truth be told, I am not an avid reader. To no surprise, those books on that shelve above me were all sports books. Most all are non-fiction as I prefer reading accounts of real-life achievements and adventures of those individuals and teams that I have followed over the years. But regardless of how good those books may have been, I much prefer playing, watching or coaching sports over the sedentary activity of turning pages while sitting in a chair.

‘Cabin fever’ is defined by Webster as “a condition of increased anxiety caused by being confined or isolated.” Without question, all of us would rather be stricken with this malady than be faced with the consequences of Coronavirus, but no doubt the walls of our collective homes seem to be a bit closer than they were several weeks ago.

During the last few days of a troubled March, there were occasions when the sky was blue and the days sunny and mild. Throughout Lycoming County, most of our communities are blessed to have parks and green spaces that provide fun, exercise, and the chance to enjoy the great outdoors. On one of those days on a visit to the South Williamsport Community Park, it was obvious many folks were taking the chance to find a ‘cabin fever’ remedy.

As I enjoyed a walk around the park’s perimeter, individuals could be seen enjoying a variety of sporting activities, while at the same time adhering to our societal new ‘social distancing’ regimentation.

In addition to walkers and joggers, there were youngsters kicking soccer balls, riding skateboards and bicycles, fathers pitching baseballs to their kids, Frisbees tossed back and forth from considerable distances and a few golfers taking practice hacks at the vast green grass ahead of them.

Following our walk Jean and I decided to enjoy the beautiful day by taking a drive over the mountain on Route 554 from South Williamsport to Elimsport. Driving along the scenic route, we encountered mountain bikers pedaling along. As we crested the mountain and began our downhill trek, we came across a handful of teen-agers stopped alongside the road, also enjoying the spectacular view stretching out before them. It was here I encountered a sporting activity that certainly was a first to these eyes. The boys had a baseball bat, and they were taking turns seeing how far they could hit a ball into the vast power line stretching down the mountain before them. We waved, and they smiled and continued on with their own version of mountain top home run derby.

Whatever our own sports diversion may be, we all must find ways to stay active both physically and mentally until this most formable opponent can be overcome.

At this writing, with the statewide ban on school re-openings extended indefinitely, it seems more and more unlikely that spring sporting activities will be resumed. For our young people who are participants in high school spring sports, these continue to be distressing times, especially for the seniors who would not get to enjoy the competition they so long have been training for.

We have recently learned that one long-standing sporting event that has served as both a football showcase and an important non-profit fundraising activity has been canceled. The South Williamsport Lions Club decided that what would have been the 30th annual North/South District IV game scheduled to have been played June 26 at South Williamsport’s Rodney K. Morgans Stadium is canceled.

The current uncertainty makes it impossible for the many three-month preparations leading up to the game to be successfully completed. Proceeds from the annual game are used by the Lions Club to help build ramps for the handicapped, provide Christmas baskets to the needy, donate to the eye bank, North Central Sight Services, Camp Victory, Beacon Lodge and provide scholarships to deserving youth.

Also on hold are the 2020 futures of youth baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis leagues, as well as golf tournaments and a variety of sports summer camps held across our region. With MLB on a standstill, the Williamsport Crosscutters are continuing with their preparations for the NYPEN League schedule, however tenuous that may be.

Little League International has advised its member leagues to push back their operations until at least May 1. As with all of us, Little League officials are swimming in unchartered waters as they deal with contingency plans pertaining to their various tournaments that include how the Little League Baseball World Series could be affected.

Sports in our society have long been a welcomed diversion that has been an important part of the lives of so many. Right now, when those sports are not actively there, it is equally vital that we keep ourselves active, healthy, and safe.