By Brian Argabright
Time is running out on some of Del Rio High School’s winter sports to complete the 2020-21 season, but the leader of the athletic department remains confident their seasons, and the upcoming spring sports seasons, can be salvaged.
On Jan. 15, the San Felipe Del Rio CISD announced its suspension of UIL activities, which was originally initiated Jan. 6, would be extended though the end of January. The reason was to help the community slow down the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of the students and personnel in those activities.
While the phrase “the end of January” could indicate no return until February, San Felipe Del Rio CISD Athletic Director said he believed that a return could be possible as early as Jan. 25.
And while the hopes for a return to the fields and courts as soon as possible are on the minds of student-athletes, performers, coaches and sponsors, Smith said at the forefront of it all should be the safety and well-being of not just the school district, but the entire community.
“I don’t think the numbers are really going down in the community, so we are going to do whatever we can do to help the community reduce this positivity rate,” Smith said. “Hopefully it’s down soon so we can get back to activities. I’m not the only one making that decision, though. There are lots of people involved in making this decision. I just hate that our spring sports might not finish or even have a season. That would be two years in a row, but right now we want to make sure our kids and coaches in safe in doing that.”
“Our coaches are encouraging the kids to stay fit, to continue to work out. We believe there is going to be a season for spring sports and there is going to be a finish to the basketball season. We have just started soccer and our spring sports, like baseball and softball and powerlifting and track and field will be ready to go. We will start again, I really believe that,” Smith added.
Some sports may face a scheduling crunch based on when they return. Basketball had begun district play when UIL activities were halted, and swimming was preparing for its district meet Jan. 30.
“Our hope is that basketball and swimming can finish their seasons. Our current target date is Monday (Jan. 25), so we’re trying to be encouraging and remaining positive to give those kids hope,” Smith said.
According to the most recent report released by the city of Del Rio, the positivity rate regarding COVID-19 is 18.29 percent, up slightly from the previous report. The district has not announced what percentage their goal to reinstate UIL activities should be, but Smith said hearing that percentage seemed to be encouraging news.
“We should know by Saturday if we’re going to start again Monday. That way we can give our upcoming opponents enough heads up that they can cancel travel plans or pick up other games if they’re still competing. We don’t want to hold things up,” Smith said.
