Fort Lupton Press 15
LOCAL
August 11, 2021
SPORTS
COVID and prep sports: Schools are on their own BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
AURORA – Prairie View High School athletic director Jason Humphrey may have summed up the coming fall sports season as it relates to the ongoing battle against COVID-19. “We’re just kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop,” he said. The Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment decided to let local public health officials and local officials determine protocols for in-person learning and activity participation, according to a press release from the Colorado High School Activities Association. “Local public health officials and school districts have the autonomy to adopt stricter standards than the national and state recommen-
dations, based on the conditions in their area,” the release said. Unvaccinated Aurora Public Schools’ coaches and athletes will have to get a test every two weeks. “Masks are required for all adults indoors. Students are optional,” said Thornton High School athletic director Patrick Woytek. “Otherwise, we are about normal.” At PVHS, there are no restric-
tions. Yet. “As of right now (Aug. 6), we haven’t been communicated any restrictions or rules,” Humphrey said. Discussions at Stargate School in Thornton are ongoing. “But expect to be masked indoors for everyone, regardless of vacation status,” said athletic director Dave Logan Aug. 6.
College adjustments start early for Prestwich BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA – In some cases, adjustments from high-school to college sports are an “on-the-fly” proposition. Former Brighton and Frederick high school pitcher Chase Prestwich started that process during a four-week program at Northwestern State. “Summer Bridge was a chance for freshman athletes to come to campus early, meet other freshmen athletes and take a summer course,” Prestwich said. “A typical weekday included breakfast
in the cafeteria with other athletes, going to study hall, attending class, lunch together at the cafeteria, weights and usually working out on our own at the field. “Sometimes in the evenings, we had meetings and activities like learning about nutrition and a cooking contest,” he added. “On weekends, nothing was scheduled.” Some 30 athletes, including a half-dozen of Prestwich’s new baseball teammates, participated. “Athletes were almost always separated by sport,” he said. “We had a few activities together like
a cooking contest, an ultimate football game and a movie night.” Prestwich said the four-week program was a help. “Being there with some of the team and getting to know the routine of the upcoming fall semester was most helpful,” Prestwich said. “It helped me because I got to know everyone and know what being a student-athlete is going to be like. “And the campus wasn’t full of students, while I was there, still figuring everything out.” Summer Bridge wasn’t all about sports. Prestwich finished two college-level courses during his
senior year at Frederick High School. “I took one class during the four-week summer school and attended study hall every day,” he said. “I got to work with the Demon athletic academic coordinators who will also be helping me during the regular school year.” Family ties and a love of the area were part of the reasons Prestwich made his college choice. “It was awesome to be in Natchitoches,” Prestwich said. “I love the people and the food. I am looking forward to fall and meeting the rest of my teammates.”
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