Offensive linemen Faaope Laloulu and Sisi Collins warm up before playing Punahou in preseason action last fall.
(Adds State Rep. Chris Todd quote, 1:10 p.m.)
The start of high school football season is a big question mark because of the COVID-19 lockdown, but coaches chimed in on different options.
Last week, Saint Louis Coach Ron Lee suggested the possibility of pushing football back to winter season.
“If pushing back the season ensures the safety and well-being of all involved, I would have no issues with the change,” Farrington Coach Daniel Sanchez said, echoing the sentiments of many coaches across the state.
Nick Abramo reported on Monday that the HHSAA is prepared to see budget cuts, elimination of preseason games and shorter schedules in leagues statewide. The HHSAA is expected to announce starting dates for fall sports on Monday.
State Rep. Chris Todd (Dist. 2), a former Hilo assistant coach, isn't convinced the fall football season has a strong probability.
"We are expecting dozens of cases per day when tourism reopens and that assumes a 70-percent reduction in visitors," said Todd, who was the Vikings' offensive coordinator as they won their second Division I state title in three years. "I don't see football season working (in the fall) if that's the case. I envision having to cancel and move to another season."
Nick Abramo reported on Monday that the HHSAA is prepared to see budget cuts, elimination of preseason games and shorter schedules in leagues statewide. The HHSAA is expected to announce starting dates for fall sports on Monday.
State Rep. Chris Todd (Dist. 2), a former Hilo assistant coach, isn't convinced the fall football season has a strong probability.
"We are expecting dozens of cases per day when tourism reopens and that assumes a 70-percent reduction in visitors," said Todd, who was the Vikings' offensive coordinator as they won their second Division I state title in three years. "I don't see football season working (in the fall) if that's the case. I envision having to cancel and move to another season."
Other coaches chimed in.
Joseph Wong, Kailua: “Whatever the season, we’ll be ready fall, winter or spring. We all have to make adjustments and Kailua will be ready to adjust to the times.”
Lave Suiaunoa, Hilo: “Obviously, it will be different. However, football season does take a lot of preparation and time for all parties involved, especially our student-athletes. (If football is played in winter or spring), it will be cutting it close to seniors’ final academic semester. I’m not sure how baseball and other big sports manage things during the spring seasons, but I guess if it’s manageable to view a positive outcome for our students’ academics, recruiting process and college admissions, then I’m good for it.”
Lave Suiaunoa, Hilo: “Obviously, it will be different. However, football season does take a lot of preparation and time for all parties involved, especially our student-athletes. (If football is played in winter or spring), it will be cutting it close to seniors’ final academic semester. I’m not sure how baseball and other big sports manage things during the spring seasons, but I guess if it’s manageable to view a positive outcome for our students’ academics, recruiting process and college admissions, then I’m good for it.”
John Hao, Castle: “In this time, safety always first! Large gatherings could help this virus explode for a second round. I feel real bad for this year’s seniors that aren’t able to play any spring sports or even have a normal graduation, but safety always first. If our season ends up starting a little later than normal, I will be glad to even have a season. We just have to be prepared for anything.”
Sanchez: “I believe the foremost importance is the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, faculty, staff and the community. I love being a part of football in Hawaii, but if pushing back the season ensures the safety and well-being of all involved, I would have no issues with the change.”
Comments