Staffing has recently been interrupted in local schools due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. From Monday, Jan. 17, to Thursday, Jan 20, Hutto ISD schools were closed. That same Thursday and Friday, Granger ISD was also closed. Despite these closures, athletic competitions have continued as scheduled.
There have been no closures or delays in Taylor ISD athletics that have been reported.
“We have not had to cancel any Taylor ISD games or practices due to athletes being out sick,” said Brandon Houston, Taylor ISD athletic director.
During Granger’s closure, the student athletes attended a powerlifting meet at Holland and hosted boys and girls basketball against Thorndale.
“The impact of COVID-19 continues to play a huge role in our day-to-day operations, but we have done a great job at weathering the conditions and allowing us to continue on participating in all UIL contests,” said Stephen Brosch, Granger ISD athletic director. “At times, we become heavily understaffed and, in many cases, under-suited when it comes to players. However, all coaches and student athletes have been able to manage each situation carefully and safely. We have been blessed to not be in a situation where entire teams have had massive outbreaks, and we hope to continue that success throughout the winter sports season and into the start of all spring sports.”
During the Hutto closure, the Hippos hosted both boys and girls basketball games against Vista Ridge and Vandegrift.
“Every team from middle school to high school has been impacted. Ways that teams have been impacted include coaches being asked to cover extra classes, coaches’ family members sick, student-athlete family members sick, student-athletes out sick, student-athletes having to change a position due to a teammate being out sick, JV kids being moved to varsity to field a varsity team, parents not able to come watch their son or daughter play the game they love because they are quarantined or tested positive,” said Bradley LaPlante, said Hutto ISD athletic director. “Even though every team has been impacted in some way, our student-athletes and our coaches and our fans are resilient and strong, and the games continue.
Even with an out-of-state tournament trip to Orlando at the end of December, Thrall winter sports have not been greatly impacted by the current COVID-19 wave.
“Obviously, this round of COVID-19 has impacted us all. Despite having many students out from time to time, this round has not affected our winter sports. This could all change, but right now, we have done well to protect our sports teams,” said Aaron Vanecek, Thrall ISD athletic director.
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) on Jan. 18 updated their mitigation guidelines for all school districts. If a test-confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among students, teachers or staff who participated in a UIL competition against another school, the school must notify the opposing school and the officials/contest judges who also participated in the competition.
The UIL is also leaving it up to the schools in regard to capacity. In addition, nowhere does the updated guidelines mention cancelation or postponement of athletic competition.
