Fans planning to attend the 2A Region 12 championships at Ignacio High School on Saturday will need to wear masks and take other precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID.
“There is real concern from our staff and students and from visiting teams and their fans over the spread of COVID in the area,” Ignacio athletic director Leo Garand said in an email. “I think as hosts, it is paramount that we do everything we can to keep things safe for the potentially state bound athletes. The worst thing that could happen is that the team that makes it to next week has to deal with COVID.”
Ignacio put the following mandates in place:
- Mandatory mask wearing for fans.
- Social distancing is highly encouraged.
- Only the competing teams and their fans will be allowed in the gym.
- There will be an isolated area for the team that is not competing and alternative settings for their fans.
- A custodian will be on hand to keep tables, handles and other surfaces wiped down.
“I know that you may have concerns around this issue but the recent spike in the schools and community combined with taking care of state-bound athletes is at the forefront of this decision making,” Garand said. “It also allows fans to be able to attend the matches.”
Ignacio, the No. 12 seed, will take on No. 13 Union Colony Prep, and No. 25 Plateau Valley in the regional with the first game at 9 a.m.
Bayfield will also be hosting a regional volleyball tournament on Saturday, but doesn’t have any mandates in place.
“We do not have any COVID restrictions,” said Athletic Director Andy Duffy.
