Warwick begins Fall 2 season
Warwick: Athletic director says the challenges extend beyond the field of play.
| 08 Mar 2021 | 02:09
The Warwick Valley Spirit Trophy Champions of 2016. This year, Warwick Valley Wildcats take on the Goshen Gladiators for the Annual Spirit Trophy Game on Friday, March 19, at Goshen High School. Photo provided by Athletic Director Gregory Sirico.
Warwick Valley High School Athletic Director Gregory Sirico issued the following press release updating the public on the status on interscholastic sports:
Warwick students are thankful to be back competing on the athletic fields and in the gyms for the condensed fall season. Sports that ordinarily compete in the fall are thankful for the seven-week opportunity provided for their season.
Attendance at games
Section IX has loosened restrictions by allowing two family members of the athlete’s (both home and visitor) to attend outdoor contests.
Warwick will be in compliance with this but unfortunately, Section IX is still not allowing any spectators for indoor contests.
Busing
Busing is an issue throughout New York State and specifically for games that occur during the week for multiple reasons:
Busing is not available until the conclusion of driver’s normal daily runs which have been extended due to later end times and limited student capacity (20 students per bus - which ordinarily transported 44 students).
Our transportation department and drivers are working hard through challenging circumstances.
Orange County Department of Health’s policy for a positive COVID-19 test result on a bus is to quarantine the entire ridership regardless of proximity.
On an ordinary Wednesday in the fall season, the district would be utilizing four to five buses filled to capacity with 45 athletes traveling to different venues.
This season, we are realistically looking at the possibility of having one bus with the new maximum standard of 20 students.
Transportation is hoping that Orange County Department of Health loosens the regulations regarding bus capacity.
We are creatively seeking solutions that address transportation issues (we have buses but lack drivers to fill them at 2:30 in the afternoon).
Scheduling games
In addition, we are looking to reschedule games to Saturday’s, Warwick is allowing private transportation to away contests.
With permission, students can be transported to games by their parents or may carpool with another adult driver and additional students as long as they have parental consent.
Students may drive themselves to a contest but are not permitted to transport a non-family member.
We will continue to work through any and all obstacles that may arise in an effort to make this a successful Fall 2 season.
I can be reached by email gsirico@wvcsd.org for any concerns.