Pandemic creates havoc with Charleroi’s preparation

By JEFF OLIVER
MVI Sports
When Bill Wiltz is asked to assess his Charleroi boys basketball team going into the 2020-21 season, his first reaction is laughter.
That’s followed very closely by a shrug of his broad shoulders.
A year ago, the Cougars went 16-7 en route to a share of the section title and a WPIAL playoff campaign.
However, eight seniors are gone from that team to graduation.
While his current team is hampered by both a lack of height and experience, Wiltz has had to deal with yet another issue he didn’t have going into last season.
The COVID-19 pandemic.
While the pandemic cut short the playoffs a year ago, it did not alter the Cougars’ efforts.
This year is a different story.
“The pandemic has hit us pretty good,” Wiltz said at the beginning of December. “We had five players in quarantine. None of them tested positive, but were in close contact with someone who did. It makes it really tough to get much done missing so many kids.”
With 25 seasons at Charleroi, Wiltz is the Mid-Mon Valley coach with the longest current tenure at a school. However, all those years haven’t prepared him for the pandemic.
“At this point, I honestly don’t know what to expect (this season),” he said. “I’m sure some other coaches are dealing with the same issues. Some can’t even practice in their gym.”
If the Cougars can ward off any adverse effects from the virus, Wiltz says the team might not be too bad.
“The guys have been working really hard in the gym, trying to learn the system and get ready,” he said.

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