Elkhart high school athletic directors prepare for pandemic precautions

 

ELKHART, Ind -- Michiana is preparing for the return of high school football, but before we reach the gridiron, many are asking what the COVID-19 precautions are heading into week 1.

There aren't many things that are more exciting than the return of high school football.

Kickoff will take place across Michiana in two days and athletic directors tell me, the number one priority is the safety.

"Right now, everyone is required to wear masks on the bus, which is, you know, a precaution we’re obviously following," said Co-Athletic Director of Elkhart High School Jacquie Rost.

Across Elkhart County, masks aren't only optional in the classrooms, they're optional at football games.

Fans can sit anywhere without spacing and anyone attending the games have the option to wear masks, including players.

Elkhart's Rice Field seats up to 10,000 fans, and athletic directors believe without having the capacity limit they had in 2020, this upcoming season will be one for the books.

With that, they still believe when it's all said and done, they're looking to make sure things are as safe as possible for any and everyone, week by week.

"Last year we had a lot of restrictions in fact we lost week one against Concord because of the limitations we had within our county. So, we’re looking for to hosting the minuteman in football, this Friday. Masks are not required, recommended but no mandated by any means," said Rost.

Other concerns are the teams, cities, and county's that the Elkhart Lions will travel too and if they're COVID-19 precautions are different, how does the team and personnel adjust?

"If we go to another county and their restrictions are more restrictive than ours, then we’ll follow theirs because we do want to make safety first," said Co-Athletic Director of Elkhart High School Buck Buckley.