Isabelle Whiting
Contribution writer
Many schools in the Eaton County area are not only getting ready for the upcoming school year during these unprecedented times, but fall athletes and coaches are getting ready for their upcoming seasons as well. The Michigan High School Athletic Association has been releasing updates about fall sports throughout the summer and Athletic Directors in the area have had to consider all of MHSAA’s restrictions and requirements while getting ready for the upcoming sports season.
Charlotte High School Athletic Director Mike Sparks says that their football players have been getting ready for the upcoming season for some time but there are requirements for the athletes before they can participate in workouts each day. “We have been preparing for the upcoming season by conducting conditioning/training workouts four days a week for the past six weeks or so, we have every athlete fill out a general health and wellness form each morning, we take every athlete’s temperature prior to allowing them to participate,” said Sparks. Sparks also stated, “We have not had any athlete show up with a fever or elevated temperature and we do not allow any participation if they are not completely healthy.” Charlotte coaches are always required to wear masks and student athletes are required to maintain social distance, both while involved and not involved in drills.
Eaton Rapids High School Athletic Director Jeff Dassance says their school has chosen to follow the MHSAA. “The MHSAA has taken a wait and see approach to all fall contact sports. Eaton Rapids has specifically chosen to follow all MHSAA guidelines.” Dassance also stated, “Eaton Rapids student athletes will have a symptom and temperature check before every workout, practice, or game and Eaton Rapids Athletics will follow the state health department in how many kids and people total can occupy certain spaces.” Eaton Rapids High School is hoping the pandemic gets to a place where educational athletics can continue in the close future.
Athletes will be required to wear a face covering while on the sidelines. Michigan High School Football was able to begin official tryouts Monday, August 10. As of August 14, the MHSAA has decided that football will be run in the spring. As of now other fall sports such as volleyball, girls golf, girls swimming and cross country will be run in the fall but will continue to be under restrictions. The MHSAA is dedicated and determined to find a way for fall, winter, and spring sports to be offered to student athletes this year.
