The Haines Borough School District Board has approved the 2020-21 track season. It will start March 29 and end May 28. According to the Alaska Student Activities Association, there will be six total meets this season. This includes Region V in Juneau and State in Anchorage. Activities Director Lynzee Swinton said she believes Haines will participate in each meet.
“There is a track and field schedule set and our intention is to send athletes to all of the meets,” said Swinton. “Travel still needs to be discussed at the board level, though.”
The home meet is scheduled for May 14, according to Superintendent Roy Getchell. P.E. teacher Greg Brittenham said he plans for this meet to be dedicated to cancer awareness.
The track and field team is currently without a coach, but Swinton said the school has a list of volunteers interested in helping. If none of these individuals can commit to being the head coach, Swinton and Brittenham will split the coaching responsibilities.
Since track and field is an outdoor sport, Swinton said she believes there will be more opportunities for athletes to compete normally. She said masks will be mandated indoors. When outdoors, track and field will follow similar protocols to cross country. This includes no mask mandate when running and social distancing.
Swinton said she’s unsure if the current travel mandate will be adjusted. She said the school board will vote on travel issues at future board meetings.
Principal Lilly Boron encourages athletes to get vaccinated. “The more vaccinations we have,” said Boron, “the smoother the season will run.”