Joe Merkel initially wasn’t fazed by the shutdown of athletics across the state. In fact, he thought of it as the usual summer break.

“It really didn’t hit me at first,” said the senior about the shutdown. “With everything going on around us, I didn’t think about. But then, it felt like a vacation being off from school.

“When I did realize it, it was very discouraging. Some moments are better than others. When it did hit me, I was really sad.”

Tory Simmons thought there might be a change of heart.

“I thought they (state) might change its mind and we could still have a season,” said Simmons. “But when I found out that it was really over, I was really upset. I had my best PR (personal record) last season, and I thought I had a real shot at states.”

Both senior captains Merkel and Simmons had their potential successful track season suddenly silenced.

Merkel finished sixth in the 300 hurdles, ninth in the 110 hurdles, and 13th in the long jump, while Simmons was sixth in the javelin with a mark of 101-10 at districts last season.

Unable to take the next step certainly has been a shock with ripple effects along the way for both.

“I was really looking forward to the season after districts last year,” said Merkel. “I thought I could have a good season, and that could help me toward college. I did the long jump and ran a leg of the 4 X100, but I was just going to concentrate on hurdles.

“I was doing some workouts on my own, and we got a few weeks in before the season was canceled. I felt a lot stronger going into the season than the other ones.”

Simmons had a similar situation.

“Coach Stofko was working on my form and getting me to run up more,” said Simmons. “I would just turn and throw. But I knew if I ran up, it would get me some more distance. I played volleyball in the fall and I was doing some workouts. I really felt confident and ready for the season.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock was certain both Merkel and Simmons would leave their mark.

“Joe (Merkel) is an all-around great athlete,” said Rusnock. “He excels at the long jump and did fantastic in the hurdles last year. He probably had a great shot at qualifying for the league, district, and state level. He had leadership and was always willing to help kids.

“Tory is an awesome athlete and we were looking forward to seeing her compete this year. She had a great chance for qualifying for the state tournament. Tory is a great competitor and a pivotal part of the track team. Because of her leadership and team camaraderie, she was elected a captain.”

Aside from athletics, Merkel and Simmons also have both been affected by the academic and social aspect of being a senior. Merkel, who also played soccer, is a member of the Varsity C Club and is a student representative for the Catasauqua borough, and Simmons, who also is a cheerleader and wrestling manager, also is a member of Varsity C and student council.

One of the major highlights would have been Spirit Week.

“I knew I would miss school when it would normally end, but this happened too fast,” said Merkel. “I just try to make the most of my days now. But not having Spirit Week is devastating. I always had looked forward to Spirit Week. It is about the events and then we had it taken away.”

“I really miss being in school,” said Simmons. “I miss being around other people, and it hurt more since it was my last year. Spirit Week is big at school and this would have been my last one. It would have been my last time playing volleyball and also being involved with the lip sync contest.”

Merkel will attend Kutztown University in the fall to pursue a degree in biochemistry, and Simmons will attend Lehigh County Community College and then transfer to a four-year school.

Unfortunately, their track careers appear to be over. Merkel has entertained the thought of speaking to the Kutztown track program about any possibilities, while Simmons would welcome the opportunity to coach someday.

However, their contributions have helped to shape the program for the next few years.