Sports will look different for the start of the 2021 athletics season in January, but students in Buena Vista’s middle and high schools will still get to play. Football and volleyball were delayed from the fall and the action will pick up this spring. Tara Flanagan photo
As the coronavirus known as COVID-19 continues to shuffle the best of plans, and as officials are finding ways to find variances within the rapidly changing restrictions, the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has effectively advocated for Season B sports and activities to start practice Jan. 18.
Statewide, the following sports have been approved to start practice on that date: Ice hockey, skiing, girls swimming, wrestling, basketball, and competitive spirit. In the Buena Vista School District, the Season B sports lineup includes basketball, wrestling and spirit.
The revised state calendar, which reflects several meetings between CHSAA and state agencies, will allow for competition to begin Jan. 25; the date had previously been set for Feb. 1.
The Buena Vista School District is currently working with other school districts to finalize competition dates.
“For months, our office has been laser-focused on students and the safe resumption of high school sports and activities in 2021,” said CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green. “The conversations with CDPHE and the Governor’s COVID Response Team to resume Season B sports have been intentional and assertive. Though it has taken many late nights and weekends, we are thrilled that our student-athletes, member schools and local school communities have a resolution. Educationally based athletics are a vital extension of the classroom.”
That said, indoor sports will see considerably fewer people attending.
“It is likely we will have limited-to-no spectators early on, which is disappointing for all,” said Lisa Yates, superintendent of Buena Vista School District in last week’s community memo. “But we look forward to our students having the opportunity to participate in these activities that shape, define and bring joy.”
Yates said that athletes have been working out in small cohorts and “will follow all guidance once full practices begin.”
While schedules these days are very subject to change, Buena Vista’s football and volleyball seasons were delayed from the fall and are now set for spring. Track and baseball are slated to wind up the spring season, with the start of competition currently scheduled for May.
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