Iredell Schools Make Decision On Wrestling, Stadium Capacity

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — Wrestling season for middle and high schools students will go forward this year, Iredell-Statesville Schools announced Friday.

The school district also said it would also increase stadium capacity at five high schools as of March 26, from 500 to 750. The bulk of the seating — 600 seats — will be reserved for visitors, while 150 will be reserved for visitors.

The news comes the same day coronavirus restrictions are set to ease throughout the state. Earlier this week, Gov. Roy Cooper announced a new executive order would go into effect at 5 p.m. March 26 will allow for increased capacity at retail businesses, gyms, and sports venues.

SEE ALSO: Mass Gathering, Capacity Limits To Ease In New NC Executive Order

“We have worked collaboratively with the Iredell County Health Department and the ABC Science Collaborative to bring students back to school safely,” ISS Superintendent Jeff James said in a statement. “Athletics are definitely an area of concern. Especially with sports that engage in close contact, we’ve been slow and reflective in making decisions regarding play. After a lengthy discussion earlier in the week with Commissioner Que Tucker at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) as well as administration in surrounding school districts, we’ve decided to proceed with wrestling for the 2020-2021 school year.

Wrestling team practice will begin March 29 for middle school students and April 12 for high school students.

Citing COVID protocols, the school district said the student athletes will:

• Be thoroughly screened
• Wear proper face coverings during practice
• Limit exposure to multiple athletes during practice
• Take precautions as it relates to cleaning and sanitizing.

“If we have secondary spread amongst any of our athletic teams, we have to cancel games," Richard Armstrong, assistant superintendent of operations and athletics, said in a statement. "That’s the last thing we want to do. The key to the success of all athletic programs lies in our athletes’ ability to remain compliant in regard to COVID protocol.”

SEE ALSO:

• Newsweek Top Hospitals Ranking Includes 12 NC Facilities
• Cooper Announces Expedited Vaccine Eligibility Timeline For NC
  
• Woodland Heights Middle To Host 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run In Mooresville
  
• Fewer Than 10 COVID Cases Confirmed In Iredell Schools Last Week