There was a splash of good news for high school athletes on the fall prep sports scene in Minnesota this week.
On Monday, Sept. 21, the Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors approved a motion to return football and volleyball to fall activities this season.
With all the states surrounding Minnesota playing prep sports, the MSHSL board responded to pressure to bring football and volleyball back this fall.
The first day of practice for volleyball will be on Sept. 28, with 10 days of practice. The first competition will be on Oct. 8. It will be an 11-week season with 14 dual competitions.
The Hills-Beaver Creek volleyball team has a large group of seniors (10) returning.
“Once I found out that they officially moved it back to the fall, I was thrilled,” said Dylan Gehrke, H-BC’s head coach.
“At practice when I told the girls, I could just see the excitement in their faces.”
He said the team will appreciate the opportunity to compete this season.
“Their hard work is finally going to be able to pay off,” Gehrke said.
“We have had so many girls put in countless hours in the gym this summer. They are ready to go out there and show what HBC volleyball is all about.”
“I was surprised at the MSHSL board changing their original plans for a spring season,” said Luverne head volleyball coach Sarah DeBeer.
“I support and respect the decision and want to make the best season possible for our team, especially our seniors. As a team we are happy to get started with our season and hope that we don't have any interruptions in the next 11 weeks.”
For football the first day of practice will be on Sept. 28. The first games will be played on Oct. 9 or Oct. 10.
Luverne head football coach and athletic director Todd Oye said players are pleased with the decision.
“They’re excited they get to play and that they’re going to have a chance to participate and have a schedule,” he said.
“It’s especially good for spring sports, because they’ll have a more regular calendar season without going into June and July.”
Hills-Beaver Creek returns nine seniors from a team that went 9-2 last season and fell one game short of reaching the state tournament.
“Our guys are excited to get the fall season rolling,” said H-BC head coach Rex Metzger. “We have a great senior group of guys that can’t wait to start playing again.”
The football season will be a six-game regular season followed by a two-week postseason. The format for postseason play has yet to be determined.
The crowds for the football games will be limited to 250 spectators.
It has yet to be determined if spectators will be allowed in for volleyball. Indoor swimming currently does not allow spectators. It’s likely that since volleyball is played inside, spectators won’t be allowed at those events either.
In terms of state playoffs, the MSHSL hasn’t announced plans for state tournaments in any of the fall sports.