The Examiner U-46 News FeedArea high schools begin conditioning programs By Seth Hancock
Area schools are starting up summer conditioning camps for athletes as the IHSA recently announced the allowance of limited in-person activities while shutdown regulations remain from the state due to COVID-19.
The IHSA announced that in-person conditioning sessions could start on June 6, but most area schools have waited until this week to start camps.
School District U-46 announced schools will be holding two two-hour conditioning sessions a day from Monday through Thursday for free starting Monday, June 22 which affects Bartlett, South Elgin and Streamwood. Glenbard North, in District 87, also started summer conditioning the same day.
Camps designed for skill training for specific sports will not be allowed. Matthew Bowser, Glenbard North’s athletics director, said while the conditioning sessions will start in person, specific sport training can still take place through virtual sessions.
“All workouts are voluntary for coaches and athletes and will follow current social distancing guidelines in groups of 10 or less including the coach,” Bowser said. “Some of our sports will continue to meet virtually as they have been doing and others will meet in person for training beginning on Monday.”
Lela Majstorovic, U-46’s assistant superintendent for secondary schools, wrote in a message that all activities will be done outside with one coach and nine athletes allowed per group.
Athletes and staff members must confirm that they are fever and symptom free while signs will be placed directing students to check-in, drop-off and pick-up stations at U-46 schools. Athletes are required to bring their own equipment and will need to wash their hands before and after sessions.
Although the IHSA does include strict guidelines, South Elgin athletics director Mike Jezioro said just being able to return even at a limited level is a big step forward for students.
“All activities that we are utilizing are speed, agility and endurance types of conditioning activities,” Jezioro said. “As for the guidelines, I am encouraged that we have guidance and are able to get groups of students back together. I feel that this is extremely important and will be positive to allow our students to begin to come back to campus.”
Jezioro added: “I feel that as an athletic director I am ready to get our kids back together and we will make any things that we have to do work. The only concern that I have is the adaptation of our students to the guidelines as we all are learning the new normal.”
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