The end of July and early August means that the start of the school year is not far away and the start of the fall sports season is even closer.
This year there is a different feel as no one knows what is in store for the 2020-21 school year with COVID-19. However; high schools are still preparing for a fall sports season.
The Parkville High School Athletic Boosters Club reported that their fall season which includes Football, Boys/Girls Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Cheer and Badminton was set to start with practices on Aug. 12.
Parkville Athletic Director Jeff Markle told EastBaltco News that no official decision has been made on the fall sports season but Parkville and all schools are preparing to start practice in August.
“I was told to gear up for an Aug 12th start date since the state made a comment back in June that everything would start on Aug 12th and that has not changed,” Markle said. “I think the start may be delayed, but we are still awaiting word.”
Kenwood head football coach Derrick Krumholtz said he too is hoping and preparing for a season and is hoping that his players will be ready if there is a season. Krumholtz explained that his staff has been allowed zero in-person contact with students.
“We have been in communication with them all spring and summer in order to drive home the point that it is their responsibility to continue to find ways to work out and stay in shape,” Krumholtz said to EastBaltco News.
“If/When practice starts, we have to commit almost all of our time to install and game planning, we won’t have time to set aside for ‘conditioning’ they need to do that on their own.”
The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association listed a roadmap to the return of sports on July 7 with training regulations during this COVID period. That is roadmap expected to be updated as we get closer to Aug. 12.
Local rec. youth football is still set to have a season, but CCBC Essex had their fall sports seasons canceled.
Many school districts throughout the state has decided to continue remote learning until January. There is speculation that Baltimore County Public Schools will also have remote learning in the fall. Could that jeopardize the fall sports season?
“I have no idea if athletics can continue if we are in a virtual setting. I assume that would be up to BCPS and the State,” Markle said.