12/11/2020 4:30:00 PM Sports teams wait for green light from governor
High school and youth sports teams throughout the state of Minnesota are anxiously waiting word to find out when their winter sports season can begin.
Some direction is expected Monday, when Gov. Tim Walz plans to give a status update on COVID-19 response in the state. Walz is expected to give direction on whether or not the four-week pause for high school and youth sports will expire on Dec. 18, or continue longer. Walz also will have direction on whether bars, restaurants and fitness centers will be allowed to reopen after Dec. 18.
If sports are allowed to begin, most high school teams will begin practice on Dec. 21, with tentative schedules for first events of the winter season beginning Jan. 5.
In the meantime, teams are allowed to conduct virtual team meetings and coaches are allowed to provide individual workouts for players by a virtual means.
Windom Girls Basketball Coach Jacob Johnson said his team has been meeting virtually each day. The online sessions are used primarily to build team chemistry, but also for team film review and individualized workouts.
Johnson added that the unusually mild winter weather so far has allowed players to work on ball handling drills outdoors, as well as some shooting work.
Windom Area Boys Hockey Coach Travis Janssen said his team has not yet held virtual meetings, but he has provided workout options for players that have requested. He said once there is more direction from the governor, he plans to set up virtual film sessions with the team in preparation for the start of the season.
