Hoops, Wrestling and Cheer to start their seasons next week
“Great news for our winter athletes. They have waited a long time to be able to compete. As far as the basketball team goes, words cannot describe how excited they are to play games next week.” -Grant Athletic Director and Boys Basketball Coach Joe Schuitema Citing progress made in reducing cases and hospitalizations the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its current epidemic order. In doing so they jumped ahead of a February 22 target date and cut loose high school contact sports with basketball teams able to hit the hardwood beginning Monday and the action on the mat (wrestling and competitive cheer) kicking off competition Friday. “We continue to make progress in reducing cases and hospitalizations, helping protect our families and frontline workers and saving lives,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. ”Now, starting February 8, contact sports can resume with safety measures in place.” “We are tremendously excited to see the return of winter sports and recognize the support of Governor Whitmer and MDHHS,” said MHSAA Director Mark Uyl. At a press conference Uyl responded to a series of questions on masking asserting that they will be required in basketball games while wrestlers will be receiving same day testing in lieu of masks due to the unique problems (i.e.choking) the sport presents when it comes to masks. Competitive Cheer will not be required to mask during competition since they are not engaging with other teams. They must remain masked when not on the mat. Middle school sports can operate under the same requirements. Uyl pointed out that basketball will have 6 weeks of play before the tournament beginning Monday. Teams may play 3 times a week which allows them to play as many as 18 games prior to the tournament. Fremont Packer Boys Coach Pete Zerfas welcomed the long awaited news. “Our athletes have waited a long time to begin playing games. Mentally they are ready for contact and to begin games. The early contests will likely be sloppy with only a few days of practice with contact, but everyone is on the same playing field. I would expect as the season goes on games will become more crisp and fundamental. "I’m also very happy that there will be 250 spectators allowed which will allow parents to watch their kid play.” Uyl was asked if the rallies undertaken of late may have influenced the decision to return to sports. “What’s important is we have a chance to get these sports going,“ he answered. “We’re grateful for peoples' voices and we’re grateful to Governor Whitmer.” At the earlier press conference announcing the changes the Governor was asked if the rallies had influenced her decision. “No,” she replied. “Science did.” N3 will update schedules as they are received so stay tuned.
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