Lamorinda student-athletes and parents protested the resolution from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to delay high school sports to an unknown date due to COVID-19. The “Let Us Play Rally” was held at Acalanes High School on Jan. 15 to contest the CIF’s decision and demand high school sports to be played.

The rally started at 3:30 p.m. as the students and parents began cheers, chants, and speeches. Many students raised signs saying “Let us play” and “There is no I in team and I have no team.” 

“It makes me feel good that people are still pushing for sports to happen,” Varsity football player and junior Sam Ross said. “I am just trying to stay hopeful we all get a fair shot at a season and college recruiting.” There were not any Miramonte students that attended, but there were a lot from Acalanes and a few from Campolindo high school. “I feel like this a good way for people to safely advocate for high school sports to resume, and it shows that there are many kids who are affected by this and want to make a change,” Varsity lacrosse player and junior Ellie Hawkins said.

 “I think it is a great opportunity to bring them together,” Miramonte Varsity baseball coach Kevin Hodges said. “It also shows student leadership taking ownership of having an activity outside of the virtual classroom they can look forward to for teamwork, collaboration, competitive activity, and sportsmanship.”

A few of the Acalanes athletes who attended the rally gave speeches about the sports they play and what it means to them, some emphasizing how their athletics is a huge part of their identity and others talked about the social aspect of sports as well, and the loss of this without the season. One student even mentioned the studies shown by professionals on the spreading of COVID-19 in sports are extremely low. 

The rally at Acalanes was not the only rally on Jan. 15. All around the state of California, there were “Let us play” rallies on that Friday night protesting Governor Gavin Newsom and the CIF. Many rallies were posted on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Many hashtags and signs had the phrases “#Newsomyousuck” and “#letthemplay.”