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Rob Wigod, the commissioner of athletics for the CIF Southern Section, says there’s been one constant since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which started back in March.
That might already be obvious to many.
“CHANGE!” he wrote in a statement updating member schools – including South Pasadena High – on the current state of affairs regarding the launch of sports in face of the crisis that that has taken the life of more than 216,000 individuals across the country.
“We have seen so many different things develop over the last several months and it has been extremely difficult to keep up with all the dynamics involved,” said Wigod. “However, what I want to assure you is there is one thing that will not change and that is our 2020-2021 sports calendars.”
As play gets underway, there will be two seasons fall (or Season 1) and spring (or Season 2). Teams are moving forward in preparation for the launch of the fall sports season to begin mid-December.
“Our member schools have done a remarkable job of arranging schedules and making plans for what lies ahead, and I truly appreciate the incredible efforts they have made in service to our student-athletes,” noted Wigod. “Hopefully, progress will continue to be made in getting our students back on campus for academics and athletics as we forge on through these unprecedented times.”
Some South Pasadena High teams are holding virtual training sessions with plans for returning to training and conditioning on campus starting Monday, November 2 for boys/girls cross country, football, boys/girls volleyball, and boys/girls water polo) “We will be adhering to strict county public health guidelines as well as following guidelines from NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) and CIF,” said SPHS Athletic Director Anthony Chan.
The school will be aiming for spring season or Season 2 teams (boys/girls basketball, boys/girls soccer, boys/girls tennis, boys/girls golf, boys/girls swimming, baseball, softball, basketball, wresting and track and field) under the new format to start training and conditioning in December.
“CIF is still holding steady with the calendar they presented in the Summer,” Chan said. “Athletic Directors and coaches have been planning matches around those calendar dates.”
Some coaches are still working with Chan to schedule non-league matches, but other than that the SPHS athletic director says the schedules for all sports have been settled and teams are anxious to start practices. Like Wigod, he recognizes that in a year of uncertainty, change can occur at a moments notice and delay the workout schedule due to the virus.
“We are excited to try to get them back in-person to train,” he said, urging those participating in SPHS competitive athletics to have their paperwork in place. “I don’t want to make any guarantees about a season or matches, as it always requires opponents as well. As I’ve said to our families, we want to stay ready should we get the opportunity. Any student-athlete who wishes to participate in training and conditioning on November 2nd needs to have their athletic clearance and physical exams completed online in order to attend.”
