Winter Sports Postponed

The state government decided to postpone winter sports until Jan. 4 due to the rising of COVID-19 cases.

The state mandated that the case levels are too concerning,  shutting down high-risk facilities and events.

The number of cases as of Dec. 23 in the state has totaled to be more than 577 thousand and is rising daily. 

Athletic director Brad Keeney agrees with the decision because it is safest for the staff and students.

“As much as we want to [have winter sports], we also want to be as safe as possible,” said Keeney. “We’ve got to protect the kids, we’ve got to protect the staff members, and we’ve got to protect the community.”

Head swim coach Brian Wingert is not surprised about the delay in the season.

“… the increase in cases in the community is very concerning,” said Wingert. “We want to make sure that we can have these sports as safely as possible.”

Girls basketball player Tyler Elliott was expecting the decision to push back winter sports and is glad that the team was able to get their first ten practices in together.

“I am disappointed that our season is pushed back, but I understand the necessity to protect both the athletes and coaches,” said Elliott. “I agree with the decision to postpone, and I hope that it doesn’t turn into a cancellation.”

If the COVID cases start to decrease by Jan. 4, the winter sports season is likely to continue. The state postponed the winter sports season due to the increase of COVID cases after the Thanksgiving Break.