SPRING SPORTS: CANDOR SOFTBALL STANDOUT FEELING COVID-19 CRUNCH (2020-04-10)

BY TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report
CANDOR — Candor shortstop Jennah Kareem was looking forward to a big senior season on the diamond. She will most likely be robbed of that opportunity as the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt the lives of every high school athlete across the nation.

As a junior, she helped guide the Indians to the IAC Division 1 runner-up spot and the Section IV Class C quarterfinals. Kareem was named the ESPN Ithaca Softball Player of the Year and was one of six divisional all-star selections for Candor. She led the team with a .514 batting average (38-for-74), as well as hits, runs (40), RBI (32), extra-base hits (15), walks (17) and on-base percentage (.681). She also stole 12 bases.

However, 2020 was looking even more promising for the all-state shortstop and her teammates. Searra Allen was the only graduation loss and coach Steve Frye was bringing back plenty of talent, one of whom could certainly help fill the void Allen left at third base.

"Being a senior and playing softball my whole life, then having my season put on pause because of Covid-19 has had a huge impact on me," she said. "It's extremely heartbreaking to have this sport possibly be taken away from me and not being able to come back next year to play.

"Being a team captain I am a role model to the girls coming up on varsity for their first year. I wanted to be able to help them and get to know them. I was so excited to play with my team this year, I have a lot of great relationships with the girls on my team and knowing I might not be able to play with them again is heartbreaking."

There were four other division in 2019 all-stars expected back as well. Like Kareem and Allen, catcher Addie Aman and first baseman / pitcher Shelby Swartz were first-team picks. Center fielder Asia Curkendall and pitcher Anna Greeno were honorable mentions. Curkendall is a junior; Aman, Swartz and Greeno are sophomores.

"Jennah had a terrific season last year and she was hoping to light up the scoreboard some more this year," Frye said. "She was also really looking forward to the team's season as we finished one game back in the division last year to Marathon."

There is just one other senior on the Indians' roster, infielder Kailyn Edwards, who, like Kareem would be a four-year starter.

"Kailyn is also a  big part of what we do on defense and is a leader of the team as well," said Frye. "She is a tremendous competitor and was looking forward to a breakout year at the plate."

Kareem realizes just how talented and special this team could be and was looking forward to making her final season a memorable one.

"I had a lot of expectations and goals for my team this year," she said. "I know the potential we have and I know with the talent we have we could have gone far. Winning the division and having a chance to states was one big goal that stuck in my head. As a senior I want the best for my team and my teammates. I have no doubt in my mind that this team will dominate next year with the talent that will be here next year. There are many girls that play all year around, and they have talent.

"My biggest expectation for myself was to be a great role model and captain for my teammates. I want to leave an impact on them. As for stats, a big goal of mine was to have a higher batting average than I did last year. I really wanted to push myself to my limits this year and leave knowing I left it all on the field. I have some peace of mind knowing I played my hardest in every game last year, but its not the same because last year I knew I had another season to play and to really push myself and be the best that I could be. Now that my season was taken away from me and my team so unexpectedly its hard to think that I might not get that chance in playing my last game on the field and leaving with no regrets.

As much as she would like one more chance to play with her team again, Kareem can see the writing on the wall.

"I think if we go back to school there is a chance we could get at least a few weeks of games in, but as for a post-season, I don't think that will happen for any spring sports this year," she said.

Not one to give up hope, she is trying to stay in shape minus the lack of practice time with her team

"I have been staying active every day, whether it's working out or going to the field to hit and play catch with another player from my team. We usually do soft toss to each other, because there's not much we can really do without equipment," Kareem said.

She was heading into this season knowing the Indians had some unfinished business to take care of following an impressive 2019 campaign in which they went 15-5 overall.

Candor defeated Sidney, 9-2, in the Class C tournament opener and had Tioga on the ropes until a seventh-inning meltdown in a 7-5 quarterfinal loss.

"The team was hoping to take our first division title in ages this year and we would like to continue to make strides toward being a part of a Section IV championship game, which hasn't happened since the 90's," Frye said.

"I want to leave a little message for my team," Kareem added. "Never take your years on the field for granted because it can easily be taken away from you. I heard this over and over again in my years of playing sports and, I never would have thought that this could happen to me. You are all amazing people and athletes. Play your hardest every game and don't get down on yourself. remember that your mistake is in the past and there's nothing you can do except better the next play. Play with your hearts and leave it all on the field, never step off the field thinking there was more you could’ve done.

"I cant wait to come back and watch you all play. Shelby, Asia, and Anna, I am so glad I was able to play with you guys and make such great relationships with you all. You guys will always have a special place in my heart and I love you so much. I want you guys to be great leaders to the team next year. I cant wait to come back and watch you guys kill it on the field next year."

Earlier this year, Kareem signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at The College of Saint Rose.

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IN PHOTO: Candor shortstop Jennah Kareem. ... TCSR STOCK PHOTO.

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NOTE:Tioga County high school athletes and coaches, and college athletes who are Tioga County residents who would like to share how their spring seasons have been effected by the coronavirus pandemic can contact Tim Taylor by text or phone at (570) 867-2767, email him at timtaylor2661@gmail.com or message him on the Tioga County Sports Report Facebook page.