Latest information is that it looks like the CIAC will be following the recommendation of the Conn. Health Dept. by stating that football, at least in its regular 11 x 11 form, will not be played this fall.
It's official, no HS football in CT this Fall, and a lot of schools are very upset.
Yes a lot of schools are indeed upset, but really, if the state went against the recommendation of the Dept. of Health and went ahead and played anyway, well then surely major lawsuits could have been in the future if anything went wrong. And BTW I think it was about three weeks ago where a number of the state football coaches were quoted as saying they DID NOT want to play this fall but were hoping for a season in the spring. So opinions and thoughts are changing all the time in this very fluid situation. One thing that should be mentioned though is that because of all this uncertainly about what would be happening, there have been more than one football player who has decided to transfer to another state or a prep school out of the area, the most well-known being a possible All-State quarterback from Bloomfield who has moved to Oklahoma to continue playing the sport. Looking down the road, I would hate it if the CIAC lost any of their best basketball players for the coming season because of the same problem, surely a possibility. Fingers crossed that things are more stable in three months and our state players stay home.
Last Edit: Sept 6, 2020 9:44:14 GMT -5 by nashvillestag
Post by reindeerfan on Sept 6, 2020 10:48:13 GMT -5
Well, some kids want to play and the state of Connecticut will not be able to stop them. There are 49 other states to choose from. The hardship this might create for this players is a very unfortunately side affect of this virus and of shutting down sports. If you are a three sport athlete, spring football is not an option. At the high school my kids attended, they gave out 40 Iron men awards to players who played 3 sports for 4 years. So there are many people that would loose a season if football is moved to the spring.
I know on my high school football team, getting good enough grades to stay on the team, and enforcement of team rules were factors that kept many of my teammates out of trouble. I don't think the value of competitive sports in giving kids a reason to be in school, and in shaping their personal development is fully appreciated. Its interesting and unfortunate that two of my former high school soccer players reached out to me this week, they are both having struggles with alcohol that started during covid. The ability to socially gather and the lack of competitive sports on tv has affected many peoples lives. I certainly know that to many on this board, and to many of the players, college basketball is a very important outlet for them. There are many things to be considered.
As Scott Gottlieb of Westport, the former FDA commissioner under Trump, says, the best way to protect the vulnerable is to try to protect everyone— including football coaches . Any older teen or college student, while statistically very safe from severe disease, transmits this virus like any other adult. We’re just opening schools in Connecticut this week and I’ll be back in my classroom. I’d hate to see us shut down because of an outbreak on a sports team. I feel for these kids. It’s just another sad outcome of this pandemic.
Post by nashvillestag on Sept 10, 2020 8:46:51 GMT -5
I don't think this decision is final yet. Yesterday in Hartford there was a gathering of representatives from at least 40 teams around the state, all of which added up to an estimated total of 1,200 or so players, coaches (and supporters) who are trying to put pressure on the state to at least give football in the fall a chance. The governor has agreed to have the CIAC and the CHD meet to discuss this further. I don't claim to know which way is the best way to go, but given the serious consequences one way or another to many different people, I think it's a good thing to have everyone involved meet to try to come up with a reasonable solution to this problem.
I don't think this decision is final yet. Yesterday in Hartford there was a gathering of representatives from at least 40 teams around the state, all of which added up to an estimated total of 1,200 or so players, coaches (and supporters) who are trying to put pressure on the state to at least give football in the fall a chance. The governor has agreed to have the CIAC and the CHD meet to discuss this further. I don't claim to know which way is the best way to go, but given the serious consequences one way or another to many different people, I think it's a good thing to have everyone involved meet to try to come up with a reasonable solution to this problem.
It’s interesting that businesses have not been able to bring the pressure on government in as strong a way as high school sports. I do think many people have reached a point Where they just want to live their lives enforcing social distancing Among young people Who are at low risk will be very difficult
Guy Ragland, a 6'7" senior from Northwest Catholic who was selected to the 2nd team Connecticut All-State squad, has just picked up an offer from Central Connecticut St. He also has offers from New Hampshire and D-11 NYIT. Possible star in D-11 circles, maybe not so much in D-1, I was thinking an extra year of scholastic ball in the prep school ranks might help his stock for the future. OTOH if he were to accept the offer from the Blue Devils I guess he would be a teammate of Wassef Methnani. Based on the fact that Central was really weak up front this past season I imagine there would be a lot of opportunity for both of them to get quite a bit of playing time.
Looks like Ragland is going to do what I suggested and play an extra year of scholastic ball at St. Thomas More. Great competition all the time, this can only be good for him basketball-wise. I would look for him to get better offers by this time next year.
And now a further update on Ragland. He has committed to Cornell for the 2021-22 season
I don't think Kolenovic's a D1 player, but he is still raw and has upside, and would've been one of the best players in the SCC this year.
Whether Covid had any impact on his decision to transfer, I don't know.
And now another good one has left Shelton. Brian Belade is transferring to Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia.
The article, www.gametimect.com/sheltons-belade-kolenovic-transfer-to-prep-schools/, makes it sound as though concern about whether or not CIAC will play basketball this season due to Covid was the reason both players left Shelton. I imagine other CT HS basketball players are looking into similar moves.
And now another good one has left Shelton. Brian Belade is transferring to Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia.
The article, www.gametimect.com/sheltons-belade-kolenovic-transfer-to-prep-schools/, makes it sound as though concern about whether or not CIAC will play basketball this season due to Covid was the reason both players left Shelton. I imagine other CT HS basketball players are looking into similar moves.
I agree I'm sure there might be a few who are doing just that. OTOH considering the new school year (whether on site or virtual) is already almost a month old, I really don't see too much more movement in this area for the coming season. I kind of believe the Shelton situation was well-known for awhile, proof being you yourself bringing the attention to Kolenovic leaving way back in early September. Anyway, for what it's worth, I pray (I Pray) that the stars of the 2022 class, the most prominent being Donavan Clingan and Matt Curtis decide to stay around for not only this year but next year as well. They (particularly the big man) will create a lot of excitement in the state if they do.
Not sure that is accurate. The state has delayed the opening. From the CT Post:
The CIAC has delayed the start of the winter sports season, which was scheduled to begin practices on Nov. 21, according to an email as sent by CIAC to all athletic directors and obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media.
The state Department of Health has yet to release its guidance for winter sports. It is expected soon.