August 22, 2020

 The past week has been one of uncertainty, elation, confusion and resolve.  At the beginning of the week we waited for word to be passed down regarding a return to athletics in the fall.  Would Cross Country be able to field a team and compete?  All signs were, yes.  It is a Low risk sport, requiring little intermittent contact or even the need to be within a few feet of another athlete.  But under the current circumstances, which for many has meant quarantine and separation from friends, and in some cases family, who could be sure the season was a possibility?  Later in the week when we learned that Cross Country, with a few modifications, could not only practice but could compete, I for one was overjoyed.  After missing the Spring season I know our athletes were chomping at the bit to get back to school and sports, rejoin their friends, and return to a (somewhat) normal existence.  But after spending a considerable amount of time poring over the documentation concerning a return to competition, I am still somewhat confused as to what specific modifications must be put in place to both comply with regulations and keep all those competing safe.  The current status as I understand it is this - MIAA Sports Committees will be meeting over the next few days to design and implement rules changes and safety procedures.  The MIAA expects it will review and approve the proposed recommendations by September 1 after which a determination will be made at the local level what sports will be offered in the Fall I season.  I am hopeful and even confident that we will have a season commencing no later than September 18, but I am not yet of the belief that it is a "done deal."  But I know the coaching staff and the XC athletes will do everything asked of them to get our season started, and completed, in a safe and orderly way.  The powers that be can count on that. 

More to come in the days ahead.  Continue to train and prepare for your season.  It will be like none before it, and will hopefully be the last of its kind.  We will make the best of it.  I promise.