Yesterday afternoon, smoke from fires in Northern California and Oregon began to reach San Francisco, causing the city’s air quality index to reach unhealthy levels up to 131. The smoke is expected to linger in the atmosphere until Thursday at the earliest. 

Due to the sudden change in air quality, many Lowellites partaking in afterschool sports have had to adapt to these conditions and limit their time outdoors. According to Lowell athletic director Robert Ray, sports “coaches have to limit activity.” 

For Lowell’s cheer team, coach Gabby Hermogeno voices the team’s struggle to conduct practices indoors instead of outdoors, in an attempt to keep athletes safe. “Inside, we’re limited in our space and the skills we can practice,” she said. “I hope the air quality improves soon because we have a lot of big events coming up.” 

Similarly, freshman cross-country runner Sofia Carvajal is frustrated about the limitations caused by the smoke. “It’s prevented [my team] from going outside, and it also has me worried about the near future,” she said. The cross-country team was compelled to practice inside Lowell’s overcrowded weight room rather than outside, according to Carvajal.

In addition to the restrictions on sports practices, the unhealthy air quality has inflicted detriments to the health and performance of some student-athletes. Senior and cheer team captain Audrey Chiang is experiencing the negative effects of the smoke firsthand. “I’m already sick, and the air quality is making me even more lightheaded,” she said. “The smoke affects our stamina and endurance during practice.” 

Coaches and students alike look forward to resuming regular practices without the threat of the polluted air. “The fresh air and seeing the city are some of my favorite things about cross country, so I hope the smoke clears up quickly so we can all get back to it,” Carvajal said.