By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
There has been speculation across the Rio Grande Valley about whether school districts would follow the lead of La Joya ISD and announce the cancelation or postponement of fall athletic seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But as of now, many East Valley athletic directors have said their programs plan to be competing. La Feria’s Oscar Salinas, Lyford’s Israel Gonzalez, Port Isabel’s Tony Villarreal, Rio Hondo’s Rocky James, San Benito’s Dan Gomez, Santa Maria’s Israel Gracia and San Perlita’s Nataniel Garza all said their respective districts are planning on having fall sports return when they’re allowed.
Current start dates are Sept. 21 for Willacy County and Sept. 28 for Cameron County. District 32-6A teams have selected a universal first day of practice set for Oct. 5.
“From here to there, we’re just trying to keep an eye on everything that’s happening, and evaluate and go from there,” Cantu said. “Being a coach and having these kids, we want to allow them to participate and have their senior year. But of course, above everything, we’ve got to see where we’re at with the virus. If there’s an opportunity as we draw nearer to our start date and we feel like we can, we definitely want to push on.”
Gracia said the news out of La Joya did get some districts talking about following suit, but despite rumors, no other RGV districts have made the decision to call off fall sports. He said coaches are doing their best to prepare athletes for athletics to return, but all they can really do is wait and hope.
“We’re gearing up and preparing to move forward with it, and everyone’s just hoping for the best. But, in essence, everyone also says it’s out of our hands,” Gracia said. “We know that because of what La Joya did there is some talks in other districts, and if that happens it could trigger a chain reaction. Nobody really wants to make a decision too early. We want to get the best opportunity for our kids to play, but we also know what’s out there, so we just have to hope, I guess.”
East Valley football coaches are making the best of their time away from their teams, using it to learn from programs that have been practicing and competing. In other parts of the state, Class 1A through 4A volleyball and cross country teams have been active since early August, and Week 1 of the football season for sub-5A programs kicked off Thursday.
“This whole time has been a learning moment for schools that haven’t been able to start their seasons to keep a watchful eye on those who have already started, and having plenty of meetings with individuals outside of the Valley so you can learn and make sure that your plan is sound when the time comes to implement it,” Gomez said.
Cantu said he has been talking with fellow District 16-4A Division II coaches from the Coastal Bend area that have been working in-person to discuss procedures and get ideas from them so Raymondville has the best plan possible when it returns. Gracia and Villarreal will be scouting to some extent — Gracia to get ready for district opponents that are playing and Villarreal to prepare for potential bi-district matchups.
Until they can get back on the field, court or course, coaches and athletes are crossing their fingers and training via Zoom and home workouts as they try to stay positive that sports will return soon.
“Our kids will respond, and our coaches are amazing. Our guys are winners, and they’ll take every step to prepare our kids appropriately,” Villarreal said. “If we get a chance, we think we can do really, really well, because we’re going to use everything to our advantage. Whatever variables we have to work with, that’s a plus to us.”