Charleroi Area gives approval to fall sports

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Game on — at least in Cougar Country.

The Charleroi Area School Board unanimously voted Tuesday to move forward with fall sports. It’s the first school district in the area to officially give a go-ahead for fall athletics.

On Friday, the PIAA Board of Directors voted 25-5 to allow mandatory practices to begin this week and to leave the decision on whether to participate in fall athletics up to individual school districts. 

With many schools throughout the Mon Valley starting classes virtually, including Charleroi, Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich said it’s one of the most contentious topics the school board had to deal with in recent weeks.

“Besides our return-to-school plan, this is the second most debated topic that we have had to discuss and make a decision on,” Zelich said. “Through this pandemic there has always been a little apprehension, but through our research and safety plans we have had in place for several weeks, the board made a unanimous decision to continue our fall sports season.”

Zelich said the district has been following a strict return-to-practice plan since July.

“All of our coaches and students have been diligent in adhering to all of the guidelines currently put in place,” he said. 

Current protocol includes temperature checks and health screenings at all practices. 

“That is a big part of this,” Zelich said. “We have a great community of athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, band members, who have all been following the rules and working hard throughout the summer. Knock on wood, we have not had any cases or incidents.

“Not to say that can’t happen in the future, but the plan is working and all of our sports, except volleyball, are outside.”

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