High school near Houston shuts down workouts after player tests positive for COVID-19
A varsity football player at West Orange-Stark High School, two hours east of Houston, tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday, forcing the school to shut down summer workouts for at least 14 days.
In a statement released by the school district, the student attended Monday workouts, but notified the coaching staff on Tuesday that he had possible exposure through contact with a family member who tested positive for COVID-19.
According to head coach Cornel Thompson, he advised the student to stay home and get tested and then notified the student’s workout partner of his possible exposure, advising that student to stay home as well.
“I am proud of how the students and faculty handled this situation. They followed all guidelines to keep the athletes and coaches safe, reducing the risk to others. We are all learning to be more aware of the health and safety of others,” stated Dr. Rickie Harris, WOCCISD Superintendent, in a press release.
WO-S is a four-time football state champ, including back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017. The program reached the state championship in four straight seasons from 2015-18.
Its posted a 100-15 record since 2012, including 10-2 last season.
Monday marked the first day of high school strength and conditioning programs, which included football, volleyball and basketball, and a piece of high school sports returned after a three-month layoff due to COVID.
Per University Interscholastic League guidelines, each player will be pre-screened at the start of every week of workouts. Some school districts have elected to run temperature checks every day.
Students must bring their own water bottle and stay 6-10 feet apart to practice social distancing.
On Tuesday, the UIL loosened restrictions that included larger group sizes from 15 to 25 outdoors and 10 to 15 indoors. It also bumped up indoor capacity from 25 to 50%. Those restrictions will start June 22.
