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Winter sports get new start date

Lead Summary
By
Brennen Rupp

The four-week pause that Gov. Tim Walz put in place for youth sports on Nov. 21 has been extended another two weeks.
The four-week pause was originally set to end on Dec. 18. With the extension, youth sports are expected to pick back up again on Jan. 4.
That means Luverne basketball, hockey, wrestling and gymnastics, along with the basketball teams for Hills-Beaver Creek, will have to continue to prepare for the season virtually.
“I’m not going to lie; trying to keep in touch virtually with your team is not proving to be easy,” Luverne gynmastics coach Phoebe Flom said.
“We have started a Google Classroom and have shared some conditioning workouts but are just in the beginning stages of this. Many of our gymnasts are taking classes in Sioux Falls to stay in shape.”
Steve Wiertzema, the H-BC athletic director and boys basketball coach, said he hopes the shortened season will be able to finish without further interruptions.
“We are excited to get started,” Wiertzema said. “I hope the season progresses as scheduled.”
TJ Newgard, Luverne girls basketball coach, said all of the uncertainty is starting to take a toll.
“While we were obviously disappointed with the govenor’s decision to shorten our season again, we are happy to have a date,” Newgard said.
“The uncertainty of a start date and playing the waiting game takes a toll on everyone. I know the kids and coaches are excited to get to work on the fourth. If there is one lesson this has provided, it’s to not take anything for granted.”
With the Jan. 4 start date, teams are expected to have up to 10 days to practice to prepare for the season.
As of press time Tuesday, there was not a start date for competitions.

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