A cautious reality hits

Local reactions to the loss of the football and volleyball seasons included disappointment but the acceptance that safety should come first.

Cloquet quarterback Alec Turnbull said he was “happy that there will hopefully be a season, even though it’s pushed back. I’m hoping we are in school at least half the time.”

In regard to her senior year and volleyball season, Cloquet’s Morgan VanReese said she understood why the Minnesota State High School League made the decision it did.

“To keep everyone safe, so I understand,” she said. “But I’m sad because it’s my senior year. I haven’t heard much about what will happen with volleyball during the fall, but it sounds like we might still be able to have gym time, so that’s better than nothing,” she said. “I prepared myself for whatever would become of my senior year. However, I’m concerned about what will happen to the spring sports, such as softball, which I also play, because it might be pushed to the summer. I am hoping we get to watch the football games in the spring, because I love being a part of our student section.”

South Ridge activities director Tony DeLeon is also the 7A Region representative in the Interscholastic Activities Administrators Association. “The safety of the student athletes and my coaching staff comes first and foremost in any situation that may arise,” he said. It’s a “continuation of disappointment from last spring,” he said but having a spring slot is better than no season at all.

“Last spring’s programs didn’t have any opportunity to complete their season, fortunately the decision to move to spring will allow football and volleyball to complete their season.”

DeLeon said the changes will cause some scheduling issues with a reduction of games and teams allowed to compete during events, adding that the activities directors from each school will work together and develop schedules that best serve each program.