The late-start sports activities at Riverbank High School continue to develop and some teams are able to scrimmage, while some spring sports were kicking off their practices this week.

RHS Athletic Director and boys golf coach John Bartlett said his golf program is going “great” and enjoying the opportunity to take the course.

“We are not keeping team scores this year so the guys and girls are just playing against their own personal bests. Trying to get better each time out,” he said.

While there is no golf match or cross country this week, Bartlett said softball was starting games this week, slated to play at Big Valley Christian on Monday, and hosting Hughson on Wednesday, March 17 at 4 p.m.

He also said volleyball was set to begin practice on Monday, while games are to begin next week, on Mondays and Wednesdays.

A specific schedule hasn’t been released just yet.

The spring sports, for athletes all across the state, came to a screeching halt last March, just as their seasons were beginning, with the onset of the COVID pandemic and the lockdown of schools, and ultimately, the whole country.

Leagues across the state have been temporarily reconfigured to continue play, mainly within county boundaries, to conform with the state health department’s tier restrictions.

And league and section championship competitions across the state have been canceled, resulting in many teams merely regarding what games they can put together as scrimmages. Coaches are encouraging their players to concentrate on playing better with each game, improving their personal bests and contributing to the overall team effort.