New York State Delays Fall Sports
ECS Athletics
New York State delays fall sports, await guidance from Governor.
Awaiting guidance from state leadership, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Board of Directors chose to pause all fall sports until September 21st, citing continuing concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential effects on the upcoming scholastic year.
On Friday, August 7th, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the green light for schools to open on time and students to return physically to classrooms. However, each district must submit a detailed plan that addresses a multitude of scenarios. At the time of this publication, the state has given no update on scholastic sports.
For Ellicottville Central School, fall sports include boys and girls soccer, boys football, girls volleyball, swimming and track & field.
“We’re in a holding pattern right now,” said ECS athletic director Dave McCann. “We’re still waiting on some guidance from the Governor and Department of Health. A lot depends on what the numbers look like by the time we get to September 21st.”
Since the pandemic began in March, ECS teams haven’t had any team workouts and the school weight room has remained closed. If school sports begin, athletic directors will face a multitude of difficulties. Scheduling changes, transportation, officials, field time and attendance are all factors that need to be considered.
McCann and other athletic directors meet virtually once a month to discuss potential scenarios for the resumption of sports.
“After the state issues whatever guidance at the time, we talk about what we could potentially do,” he said. “We’re in one big wait and see right now.”
With the uncertainty surrounding school sports, kids are still staying active by playing in travel soccer and baseball leagues (under strict guidelines), and participating in Brad Poole’s kids bootcamp.
Originally geared for athletes in grades 7-12 at ECS, Poole has expanded on the program to offer it to all ECS students in those grade groups, plus some from Salamanca. In an effort to keep kids who aren’t playing sports active, the 5-week program aims to help with physical fitness and mental health.
“I’m trying to keep these kids active and keep them away from video games,” Poole said. “Plus, if sports do resume, they won’t have as much trouble getting back into game shape.”
Hosting hour-long sessions three times a week, Poole sets up socially-distant cones on the Village Park soccer field. To keep kids motivated, he brings a stereo and microphone to guide them through the workouts. Everyone wears a mask until they get to their station, where they stay for the entirety of the hour.
“We’ve got a little over 30 kids right now,” Poole said. “I’m charging $25 for the entire 5-week program. It’s helping keep kids active and teaching them about the importance of staying fit.”
It’s difficult to underscore the importance of sports in the lives of schoolchildren. It provides exercise, structure, discipline and accountability. It teaches sacrifice and teamwork. McCann estimates that 60-70% of middle and high school students at ECS play some form of sport.
“We’re hoping to get back to it in September, but right now we’ll wait and see.”
