The agreement is in place during postseason competition
By Michael S. Hoey
Correspondent
The Delavan-Darien High School wrestling team is in the midst of a historic season. The Comets are in position to potentially advance to the team state tournament for what would be only the second time in school history.
One thing that could stand in their way – other than opposing teams – is COVID-19. A group of wrestling parents wrote a letter to District Administrator Jill Sorbie asking that the team be allowed to learn virtually for up to 20 days once the post-season begins. If the team does not advance, the virtual period would end immediately. Sorbie read the letter to the school board on Jan. 11.
The parents explained that they were more concerned about their kids being forced into quarantine due to contract tracing than getting COVID-19 itself. If they are forced into quarantine, they would be ineligible to wrestle and that would place the team’s chances at advancing to state in jeopardy.
Sorbie said she asked other administrators in the area if they allow athletes to go virtual and she said several do. She also surveyed DDHS teachers to gain their input and said 83 percent of those who responded supported allowing the wrestlers to go virtual.
She said some teachers have concerns including:
- That many of the wrestlers have been known to not wear their masks properly in school and have been disrespectful when asked to;
- If the students would actually do the work assigned to them virtually;
- If allowing it would elevate athletics over academics and/or would set a precedent for other sports to make similar requests;
- Will the student-athletes actually stay in quarantine while learning virtually, and;
- If allowing it would place an unfair burden on teachers.
Sorbie said the wrestlers were making a very big ask, but she was willing to agree to it as long as the students signed a promissory note agreeing to several things that were yet to be determined. Sorbie said she also wanted the blessing of board members.
Board member Ron Deschner said he coached wrestling for five years so he understood the work the kids have put into this opportunity. What he did not understand was how learning virtually would be safer if they were still going to come to school to practice every day. He was also concerned some of them would not do the work required while learning virtually and he worried about setting a precedent.
One of the parents explained that the kids were highly motivated to do the work so they would remain eligible to wrestle.
Sorbie said the number one place identified for contract tracing is school cafeterias, so not being in school would reduce the risk. She also said another winter sport coach had already approached with a similar request after hearing about the wrestling request and she told that coach it will be a sport-by-sport decision and in the case of the wrestling team was being considered for post-conference play only.
Each of the remaining board members expressed their opinions, including some with concerns, but none were opposed.
“I understand,” School Board President Jeff Scherer said, explaining that athletics were important to all three of his kids. “Some kids really need this to make sure they work (in school).”
Dave Henriott said he expects the students to step up.
“I believe that in these two weeks the kids will be C or better students because their parents stuck their necks out for them,” Henriott said. “This is something we should be proud of in our community.”
Sharon Gonzalez said her son, Eric, wrestled in high school, so she supported the move. So did Tiffany Schutt and Doreen Grams, though Grams was concerned about the concerns expressed by the teachers.
“They should be good students all the time, not just when they need to,” Grams said.
