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Prep sports get green light to start competitions on Jan. 14

Lead Summary
By
Brennen Rupp

The hit HBO series, “Game of Thrones,” coined a term, “The Long Night,” referring to a time period of a prolonged winter.
The Long Night is over for now in Minnesota.
Nov. 20 marked the last youth sporting event that took place in Minnesota before a “pause” was put into effect until Jan. 4.
Now teams have received the go-ahead to start practicing to prepare for what will be a wild winter sports season.
“We’re really excited the first day is finally here,” Hills-Beaver Creek girls’ basketball coach Kale Wiertzema said.
“The first day jitters are alive and well throughout the halls. It's been a long wait, but having the opportunity to get back on the floor is what we wanted and now it’s finally here.”
Last week the Minnesota State High School League announced that teams can start competitions on Jan. 14, giving teams 11 days to prepare for the upcoming season.
“These experiences are so important to students and they have been anxiously waiting to get these winter seasons started,” MSHSL Executive Director Erich Martens said in a statement released on Monday, Dec. 28.
“By implementing these safety protocols recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and required by the Minnesota Department of Health, we have the best chance to provide safe seasons with reduced interruptions and also plan for full postseason experiences.”
With a date set for competitions, coaches and athletes can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“This is a great step in the right direction for all sports and activities at all levels of competition,” Luverne boys’ hockey coach Phil Paquette said. “We are looking forward to getting back on the ice and starting the hockey season.”
The updated safety protocols for youth sports will require all participants to wear masks during competitions and practices. The exceptions to this rule are gymnastics, wrestling, cheerleading and swimming.
“We are excited for the opportunity to start both practices and contests in this winter season,” Martens said. “The commitment to safety by our more than 500 member schools is critical to not only start our seasons, but to finish them as well.”
During the pause, youth athletes stayed in contact with their coaches via Google Classroom and Zoom meetings.
Hockey players were able to skate outside on ponds, lakes or homemade ice rinks, and other athletes were able to travel to Sioux Falls to facilities that were open.
“You can tell that the kids are giddy and ready to go,” Luverne boys’ basketball coach John Sichmeller said.
“It was fun to see kids walking into school this morning with their new basketball shoes and the excitement they have when talking to them.”
He said recent past shutdowns have taught coaches and athletes not to assume a schedule.
“We used to tell them not to take any games for granted, but now it will be to not even take any practices for granted,” Sichmeller said. “Just enjoy the time you get to be with your friends because we have all been missing that.”
He said athletes so far are taking that approach.
“They know how much they have missed out on already so I think they are all excited that we finally get a chance to have some fun.”
During the shortened fall season, there were no state tournaments. For some sports, like volleyball, there was no postseason play due to the pandemic shutdown.
Now it appears the MSHSL will at least attempt to have postseason play, which will include state tournaments. 
The Luverne girls’ hockey team made a trip to the state tournament last season. Tony Sandbulte, the girls’ hockey head coach, said his team is excited to get back on the ice together.
“I'm really excited for our players, especially our seniors and their parents,” Sandbulte said. “These girls have skated most of their lives, so I'm grateful they can play their senior year and put closure to their varsity careers on the ice.”
He said the team is ready to work and to take advantage of play time and practice.
“The late start and guidelines will definitely make for a different and interesting season,” Sandbulte said. “But we're happy to make the adjustments if that allows us to play.”
The first competition for the Luverne gymnastics team is scheduled for Jan. 21. The focus for head coach Phoebe Flom and her team will be getting into shape.
“This is about our normal time between the start of the season and our first meet,” Flom said.
“Although the girls have had a longer time off, so getting into shape may be a little more difficult. We never feel ready for the first meet, but we will do our best.”

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