By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
BROWN COUNTY – Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Fox River Classic Conference (FRCC) announced July 29 it would be playing a conference-only schedule for all sports.
The FRCC approved a start date of Tuesday, Sept. 1 for the lower-risk sports of girls’ golf, girls’ tennis, girls’ swimming and diving and boys’ and girls’ cross country.
The earliest practice date for football, boys’ soccer and boys’ and girls’ volleyball is Monday, Sept. 7.
On July 23, the WIAA Board of Control okayed the start of the fall high school sports seasons across the state at its virtual meeting.
The board said the lower-risk sports could begin as early as Aug. 17, but the FRCC pushed the start date of those sports back two weeks.
“We wanted to give things a little more time and the start of sports to coincide with the beginning of school,” said Bay Port Athletic Director Brian Matz. “It’s a fluid situation, and we are working toward a safe return.”
The WIAA board considered several season schedule models but eventually decided a delayed start was its best option.
“Because of the board’s action, they have given us the opportunity to at least hope and work in that direction,” WIAA Executive Director Dave Anderson said.
Matz said playing a conference-only schedule affects the schedules.
“Some sports are affected more than others,” he said. “Swimming and cross country have many out-of-town invitationals that won’t take place.”
Matz said the FRCC athletic directors will meet Thursday, July 30, to discuss and alter schedules.
“I think it’s a good plan,” said De Pere High School football coach Chad Michalkiewicz. “One of the advantages of the FRCC – at least on our side of the division – is we are all in Brown County. They don’t want schools crossing county lines if possible, and we can do that. If we can get the season started, I hope we can progress forward to the end.”
The end of the fall sports seasons remained unchanged, but the WIAA board indicated the season may or may not culminate with a traditional tournament series.
“During the whole WIAA meeting, I was checking for updates on my phone,” said Ashwaubenon High School senior quarterback Cadian Vang. “I’m glad we’re playing and the season didn’t get pushed back too far. As long as we are playing football, I’m happy.”
Vang said players have to be diligent and honest.
“When someone wakes up with possible symptoms, we have to stress staying home and getting checked out,” he said. “We have taken precautions at Ashwaubenon during non-contact days with extra cleaning and pre-screening. All of us want to play football this year, so it’s in our best interest to quarantine if we’re not feeling well.”
As of now, the winter and spring season calendars were not altered.