Skip to main content

The Battle Between COVID-19 and High School Football

Photo courtesy of patch.com

By Sarah Vandermolen

Although the number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin continues to rise, some high schools will be conducting football this fall.

According to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA), "68% of Wisconsin's 11-player football programs statewide have opted to play a shortened fall schedule." Similar to what many college football teams had to decide between, Wisconsin high schools had the choice between a delayed and shortened fall season or an alternative spring season.

According to a WIAA press release, "256 football programs elected for the seven week fall season" while "121 football programs opted for the WIAA-approved alternative fall season, which would open practice March 8 and run through May 3."

Due to this decision, many divisions/conferences had to be adjusted in order to have the appropriate number of participants. According to kenoshanews.com, "In football only, Janesville Craig and Janesville Parker were shifted from the Big Eight to the Badger Large this year, and some Rock Valley schools were moved to other leagues and Madison Edgewood and Monroe were shifted in."

However, due to the difference in restrictions in each county, some high schools had no choice but to participate in the alternative season. For instance, Dane County's restrictions currently prevent having more than 25 people gathered for an outdoor practice.

These circumstances are the most unfortunate for high school seniors whose schools have chosen to wait until the spring. In an article for nbc15.com, high school senior Owen Konopacki explained "I wish we could play as well, but I guess it's a part of what's happening right now that we have to deal with."

However, Konopacki remains hopeful about returning to the field this spring, stating "That's all I'm hoping for. I'm very optimistic about it."

The WIAA is attempting to remain flexible due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. In their press release, the association explains they are allowing teams to switch to the alternative spring season if less than 50 percent of their games have been played. However, according to kenoshanews.com, "the WIAA will not allow teams to intentionally under-schedule fall seasons in order to use the fall season as an opportunity for extra practice." 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wisconsin High School Sports Face An Uncertain Winter Season

By Sarah Vandermolen photo courtesy of nytimes.com Although most Wisconsin high schools decided to compete in fall sports this year, it seems some schools will not have the same luck for the winter sport season. Unlike other states, Wisconsin does not have a statewide mandate in regards to high school sports. For this reason, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has left school districts to decide whether they will be participating in winter sports.  Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases, many high schools in Wisconsin have decided to suspend their winter sport season, while others are charging forward with competitions. However, even if schools decide to hold their winter season, not all high schools will begin on time.  According to rivertowns.net , "Locally, River Falls and New Richmond have suspended all athletics and activities through Dec. 7, while Hudson, St. Croix Central and Somerset are beginning as planned."  St. Croix Central athletic dire...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Week in Saint's News

 Frank Piegari  Hello Saints! With Thanksgiving and finals right around the corner, there is no shortage of things to do this week at the University of Saint Francis. To kick things off tonight (11/28), the Justice League will be hosting another Tabletop Game Night beginning at 7 p.m. in Motherhouse room C305. But that's not all we have. Beginning at 7 p.m., the Asian American Student Association will be hosting a Filipino Family Night in the Abbey Lounge located in Marion Hall. The event will feature food and karaoke so if you're interested, be sure to stop by. On Tuesday (11/29), the Criminal Justice and Pre-Law Society and the Social Work Club will be hosting a screening of the documentary "Jacinta". The screening begins at 5:30 in San Damiano Hall and will be followed up by a discussion and attendees will also have the opportunity to make a Christmas card for an incarcerated person. On Wednesday (11/30), the girls basketball team has a home game at 7 p.m. against ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Morton Arboretum Holds their 10th Annual "Illumination" Tree Light Exhibit

By: Hannah Mitchell Due: 12/6/22 Join the Morton Arboretum this holiday season for the 10th annual Illumination: Tree Lights exhibit during its 100th anniversary year. The exhibit is available from November 19th through January 7th, 2023 opening up at 4:30 pm and closing at 8:30 each night. According to mortonarb.org , “...guests will explore 18 different features along a tree-lined one-mile walking trail immersed in color, light and sound created exclusively for The Morton Arboretum.” Guests will most definitely get their movement in for the day with this event. Interested in going and what the ticket prices are? If you are a member the standard adult tickets are $22, with children being $14. As far as guest tickets, the standard adult price is $27 and children are $16. This event will be closed December 12th, 24th and 25th. There are also discounted nights throughout the season that you can find here . If you end up getting hungry, concession tents are scattered throughout the event ...
Post a Comment
Read more