INDIANAPOLIS — When it comes to knowing what to expect for a high school football season during a global pandemic, there’s really no playbook.
“We’re just trying to figure it out the best we can,” said Warren Central High School football coach Jayson West during practice Wednesday afternoon.
Players stood on the field, but there was no contact as they practiced a contact sport.
“We’re still not hitting or tackling. We’re not going to do that for a while,” West explained.
The same goes for celebrating.
“The kids are doing a great job and adapting, trying to change the culture of high fives and tackling and hugging and all that stuff that goes on and now you have to stay apart,” West said.
It’s a fluid situation that could see more changes, even as the Indiana High School Athletic Association announced Wednesday that fall sports could move ahead as planned.
This came on the same day that sources told 13News that Marion County superintendents and the county health department held a conference call, following a published report that said all contact sports in Marion County would be postponed until October.
After the call, sources told 13News there was no delay for now and that the Marion County Public Health Department would monitor the situation over the next 2-3 weeks. Schools are told to continue following current IHSAA guidelines for practice.
Parents said they hoped plans wouldn’t change, but said they were ready if they did.
“If it’s the best alternative to keep all the children safe then I’m OK with it,” said mom Danielle Alums. “Now, it’s going to break the children’s hearts of course, but we gotta do whatever is best for the health and safety of everybody."
Another mother, Marquita Cohen, agreed.
“Of course, I want what’s best for the safety of the kids, so whatever they gotta do, I’m all for it,” Cohen said.
Thursday at 9 a.m., Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett will join Dr. Virginia Caine with the Marion County Public Health Department to provide an update on the COVID-19 safety guidelines in Marion County.
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