Amidst the pandemic, many student-athletes that play in the fall are uncertain of when their seasons will continue. This past Tuesday, Athletic Director Ira Childress sent out an email confirming the start date on Sept. 14 for fall sports and announcing protocols necessary to play those sports.

“I’m excited to get back on the field and enjoy my last ride with my brothers,” senior defensive linemen, Jonathan Del Rosario said. 

The email includes plans for the start date of every individual sport, which are:

• Bowling – For more information, contact: Coach Yaritza Roman, yroman@gulliverprep.org
• Cheerleading – September 15, 4:15pm-6:15pm @ Upper School Classroom 200. For more information, contact: Coach Vida Hargrett, vidasheffield@yahoo.com
• Cross Country – September 15, 4:00pm-5:45pm @ Crossbridge Church parking lot. For more information, contact: Coach David Suarez,
  dsuarez@gulliverprep.org
• Boys Golf – September 14, 4:00pm-6:30pm @ Biltmore Golf Course. For more information, contact: Coach Jim Piggot, pigj@gulliverschools.org
• Girls Golf – September 14, 4:00pm-4:15pm @ Shah Family Library & Media Center First Floor (Upper School). For more information, contact: Coach Kelly Mulligan, kmulligan@gulliverprep.org
• Football (JV & Varsity) – September 14, 4:15pm-6:15pm @ Sean Taylor Memorial Field (Upper School). For more information, contact: Coach Earl Sims, esims@gulliverprep.org
• Sailing – September 14, 3:30pm-4:15pm @ Shah Family Library and Media Center First Floor – Back Porch(Upper School). For more information, contact: Coach Brian Kamilar, bkamilar@gulliverprep.org
• Swimming – September 14, 4:00pm-6:00pm @ Upper School Aquatics Center. For more information, contact: Coach Chris George, cgeorge@gulliverprep.org
• Volleyball (JV & Varsity) – September 14, 4:00pm-6:00pm @ Upper School Gym. For more information, contact: Coach Ed Potter, epotter@gulliverprep.org

Also, student-athletes that compete in sports that greatly increase the risk of transmitting the virus will be obligated to stay on remote learning throughout the duration of their season. Sports that are considered high-risk include football and lacrosse. 

“It may be tough because most student-athletes want to go to school physically to see their friends or to just not be bored at home, but it is the best way to go about it to ensure the protection of our season,” football Offensive Coordinator Matt Dixon said. 

Student-athletes have anxiously awaited the start of their seasons, and should be able to play successfully with the precautions and protocols in place.