UPDATE:

The WIAA Executive Board has voted to amend the 20-21 season schedules due to the increasing Covid cases. The change delays the start of high school sports and shortens each season to 7 weeks. Football is now scheduled to start on Monday, March 8^th. The league football schedule will need to be changed and we’ll get that to you as soon as it’s completed and approved.

Link to new sports seasons: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRop6HNtm7WrTzJ_C9Xoy0YwF2iGmh5vXV4HjxpUflG5HexCU1eTv3CFkzQAmODD8Ogry3-PayYQzag/pubhtml

In the meantime, Covid cases have tripled since our coaches were given the OK to hold practices. The sharp increase caused a shut down but the period where coaches are allowed to work with athletes has been extended to January 23^rd. The hope is the numbers will decrease enough to allow for some practices before that new deadline is reached. More to come on the out of season practices.

What can parents and players do at this point to support the efforts being made to assure our kids have a season? The state coaches associations are combining efforts with coaches, players and parents in California and Oregon on a positive letter/email campaign to restart school activities and athletics. Kids are struggling and as we know, athletics and activities create normalcy in their lives and give them something to look forward to. Positive messages about what your kids are experiencing and what sports means to them can be helpful.

Here’s the link to send Governor Inslee a positive message about the impact a return to play would have on your son. https://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/contact/send-gov-inslee-e-message

We are also asking parents and athletes to send messages through social media encouraging Washingtonians to “Mask up so we can play” and consider including a short video clip asking for support in decreasing the spread of the virus so that our kids can play again.

As I’ve written in earlier newsletter messages, these are unprecedented times. Take care of yourselves and your families, look out for each other, reach out if you’re struggling and know that WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS.

#ONETOWNONETEAM 

Practice is canceled for today. The number of new COVID cases in King County has passed what we set as the limit (over 100 per 100,000 residents in a two-week period). As we continue to monitor the situation, the athletic office, booster newsletter, & coaches will update you on when we will resume the practice schedule.