With the current stalled state of high school athletics due to the coronavirus outbreak, Northampton head baseball coach Mick Sugra didn’t mince words about his view of the situation for his team.

“It sucks,” said Sugra, who is beginning his 10th season at the helm of the Konkrete Kids’ program. “It is not fair to all the guys on this team and high school kids across the country. I really don’t know what else to say.”

Coming off their first conference title of any kind since 1998, the Kids loomed as a favorite to recapture the East Penn Conference title again this spring.

For the first time in seven years on March 2, the Kids were able to begin workouts and tryouts outside due to the unusually pleasant weather to begin spring practices. In fact, six of their first 11 practice were outdoors.

All of the pieces appeared to be fitting snugly into place – a strong fall season, productive winter workouts and progressive practices. Then the boom was lowered to halt all activity on all of days, Friday March 13.

It was a shocking jolt that would send reverberating, frustrating aftershocks for the next two weeks.

“The whole thing is just horrible, and we should be halfway through the season by now,” said senior catcher Cullen Cooper. “I’m just really missing baseball right now. I’m missing my teammates and just having fun out on the field.

“If we do get to play this year, this whole thing has affected our team and has thrown off what we have worked for this season.”

Senior pitcher Evan Zwolenik, his batterymate, is optimistic his team can take the field, and he can continue his assault that began last season. Zwolenik, who received numerous accolades, posted an overall 7-1 mark with a 1.04 ERA and 59 strikeouts and seven walks in 67 innings.

“It’s tough,” said Zwolenik. “We were finally able to get outside and had a good weather. Last year, we had talent, but not many people saw that.

“This year, we have high expectations. We have worked so hard, and we were all anxious to get started. We still feel we can get out there.”

Senior captain shortstop Mike Kuzio (.373, 12 RBIs) is among many anxious to prove their expectations.

“It’s not just us but it is every athlete out there wanting to showcase their skill and play with their team,” said Kuzio. “On a personal level, it’s very hard because of what our team is trying to defend, the seniors really what to show the younger kids what builds a championship team. The chemistry with us is great and I played with these guys my whole life.

“The energy for this season has been the best I’ve seen from a team. It’s hard, but we are all understanding the bigger picture.”

Fellow senior pitcher Cam Cooper also continues to deal with the anguish.

“As coach Sugra always says, ‘there are things you can control and things you can’t,” said Cooper. “Sometimes, it comes down to dumb, sheer luck.

“It has affected me that I can’t practice with my teammates and see them every day. If we do have the opportunity to play, I have all the faith in the world that we can pick up where we left off. I’m really bummed out that it is my senior year and the last chance I have to play with kids I’ve known since I was four years old.

“No matter what happens, I’m glad I stepped foot on the field in ninth grade. I’ve met some lifelong friends and have some great memories. Once you’re a K-Kid, you’re always a K-Kid.”