Homecoming Football Game

Athletics director and vice-principal Andrew Mitchell is planning to implement mild procedures in order to maintain social distancing guidelines and keep players and fans safe. Mitchell said, “We are not requiring masks but they are encouraged.” Every other row will be marked with signs to prevent people from sitting too close to each other. Different sections on the inside fence will be marked with yellow rope “as a signal not to stand or sit” in that area.   For the concession stands, marks will be placed on the sidewalk to allow people to properly distance themselves. Mitchell believes that, in comparison to other schools, the rules are quite relaxed and shouldn’t be taken for granted. There will be no limit on the number of visitors allowed entry.

Originally planned for the two home games, senior night will be held at Homecoming due to the cancellation of the first game. Senior recognition for football players and cheerleaders will occur before the game begins. During halftime, senior band and girls swim team members will also be recognized. “Trying to do them all together before the game would take a lot of time,” said Mitchell. It is undecided on how the walk-through will work, but due to the large amount of members for each group, it is expected that facing the crowd in a shoulder-to-shoulder manner will have to be changed in some way. It is still planned for parents to accompany their senior on the walk. Girls Volleyball and Cross Country had already decided to hold their senior night during their home game. Girls Volleyball’s occurred earlier “just in case we had a COVID situation.”  Mitchell said, “We’re going to respect their wishes for that.”

Mitchell expects the mask recommendation and social distancing guidelines (for all sports) to stick around for a few years. He also believes that the rules will only become stricter with time until the pandemic blows over. “But hopefully we can get back to a somewhat normal situation next year.” Most future plans depend on how research develops over the year. “I want to keep people safe,” said Mitchell.  He also wants students to have the opportunity to participate in these events. “I know it gets frustrating, especially for parents at times.” Mitchell hopes that the community can understand that “this isn’t about us, this is about the students at AHS and the middle school.” His goal is to keep everyone safe in order to give students the opportunity to participate in these events despite the restrictions of a worldwide pandemic.