As Phase 1 of the IHSA Return to Play Guidelines is under way, students athletes are able to return to the weight room for general physical fitness under certain restrictions. Outdoor workouts are highly encouraged, social distancing must be maintained, masks are to be worn, and groups up to ten, including coaches, must be pre-determined and stay together throughout the entire scheduled workouts. West Central Heat Head Football Coach Jason Kirby said the coaches and players were excited to get back in the gym and prepare for their switch to eight man football come this fall:
“Our kids seemed excited to be able to do something, to be honest with you, and it was wonderful to get to see them. Our school board, administration, and kids thinks this puts us on an even playing field with the people we have to compete against. That is exciting for our kids and our community. In all honesty our kids will say we don’t have an excise now. People that we are playing are in the same boat as us, now it’s’ our deal. If we are going to win or lose it’s because we have made the commitment to be successful or not based on the work that we put forward and that’s exciting. Our kids really feel confident that they are in a situation where they can be successful,” Kirby states.
Under Phase 1 of the Return to Play, student athletes are limited to three hours of participation per day by the IHSA.
