As the calendar begins its trek toward August, Missouri’s high schools are attempting to answer a pair of looming questions. The first, “Can we open our doors for students safely, and ‘If that is a go, how will the sports season be done safely?”
Answers to those questions are beginning to become known at both the local and state levels.
Today (Wednesday) in Trenton, students interested in participating in athletics or cheerleading during the 2020-2021 school year can receive a free physical exam at the Wright Memorial Physicians Group at 189 Iowa Boulevard in Trenton. However, in order to be eligible for the exam, those interested needed to have made an appointment. That deadline passed on Friday, July 17th. At today’s exam site, Wright Memorial Hospital and the Grundy County Health Department will be working together to maintain proper social distancing. Students are reminded to obtain the MSHSAA form before the exam at www.grundycountyhealth.org. That form must be completed prior to the examination, including a signature from a parent or guardian.
If paperwork is completed, a parent or guardian is not required to accompany the student to the exam, assuming that they have signed the paperwork as necessary. Students must arrange their own transportation to the exam. Masking and temperature screenings will be required for all as they enter the clinic.
The Trenton R-IV School District will be following COVID-19 health and safety guidelines from the state of Missouri regarding fall sports and activities. Superintendent Mike Stegman says the district has, and will continue to, comply with guidelines set by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). That topic was a portion of an interview conducted on “Open Line” Monday morning, July 20th with KTTN’s John Anthony:
Once in-person classes begin at the Trenton R-IV facilities, proposed practices, including physical education classes, will be held outdoors if at all possible, with social distancing. If indoors, those in the Phy-Ed classes, and one would assume, the sport of volleyball, would be required to wear masks.
MSHSAA released its guidelines last week concerning fall sports competitions, with an edict that sports may only occur in a district if that particular district is having in-seat classes. Each school must have one individual coordinate to bring students together for practice and competition. Each school must have their athletes and coaches wear masks both before and after strenuous activity. When traveling to away events, social distancing will need to be followed. MSHSAA will be sponsoring, for those schools participating in sports, regular season and postseason contests. MSHSAA wishes not be move any sports season to a different portion of the year.
The Trenton Quarterback Club will be conducting a football parent meeting on Thursday night, July 23rd at C.F. Russell Stadium. The 7 o’clock meeting will include a speech from Coach Kevin Hixson, in addition to information presented by the Quarterback Club. At least one parent or guardian for each player is requested to be in attendance.
