Most Fall Sports On, But ‘Uncertainty’ Remains At West Orange HS

WEST ORANGE, NJ — All fall sports except one – girls volleyball – will resume for students at West Orange High School amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to district administrators, West Orange High School fall sports have been given the green light following the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (NJSIAA) recent decision to approve a modified season.

Football, girls and boys soccer, girls tennis and cross-country will see play according to the protocols set forth by the NJSIAA, school officials said.

Girls volleyball has been moved to February with a special season in between winter and spring sports.

The WOHS athletic schedules can be seen here.

• See related article: West Orange Students Will Start School Remotely Amid Coronavirus

WOHS Athletic Director Ron Bligh said there was still “great uncertainty” surrounding sports and COVID-19. But Blight added that he has the “highest regard” for the NJSIAA.

“With Gov. Phil Murphy's full support and student safety as their prime concern, this organization has developed a detailed plan for our student-athletes to return safely to interscholastic athletics in New Jersey,” Bligh said.

Bligh continued:

“In my opinion, student participation in high school sports, the marching band or for that matter any extracurricular activity, is essential to our students' emotional and social growth. I am proud to be a part of a school district that goes above and beyond satisfying these needs of our students. We all need a mental boost at this time, including our kids who are our most precious commodity. Restoring extracurricular activities will allow our students a feeling of normalcy, a sense of belonging, and pride. This is what getting an education is all about in West Orange.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.