On Thursday morning, the Colonial League Athletic Directors voted to move forward with the start of the season, but at the same time, the vote was not unanimous. Eight schools voted in favor of starting on time while five(Bangor, Catasauqua, Moravian Academy, Salisbury, Southern Lehigh) will delay the start of their season.
League President Bryan Geist said, “The Colonial League member schools voted and have decided to move forward with schedules as previously approved. This vote gives local control to member schools to decide whether to play, postpone or cancel based on each school districts needs. There are no penalties on schools whatever they choose to do this fall.”
With that said, some Athletic Directors have talked to D11Sports.com about their decision to start on time or delay. Catasauqua Athletic Director Tom Moll said, “Catasauqua will have a short delay to the start of our season and we are working on a revised schedule. Our focus is to begin school first on Monday August 31, prior to any athletic competition getting underway.”
Palisades Athletic Director Brian Gilbert said, “We are excited to be moving forward towards the start of the fall season and give our Student-Athletes a chance to compete.”
Northwestern Lehigh Athletic Director Jason Zimmerman is also on board with a motion to start the season on time. He said, “We believe every school has their unique circumstances and what is best for our Northwestern Lehigh School District, may not be the same for others and we respect that. This direction allows schools to make their own decision based on what is best for them, in consultation with their medical partners, and we as a League and we at Northwestern Lehigh respect that regardless of what decision you make. This provides schools that are able the chance to play, if they are able, instead of saying School A cannot therefore School B also should not but are in a different situation.”
Moravian Academy Athletic Director Manny Oudin told D11Sports.com , after conversations with St. Luke’s and infectious disease experts, their school will be using a phased-in approach. Oudin said, “ We’re going to a five day in person instruction with virtual options if families choose that. We want the education plan to be our primary focus before we move on to athletics.” Oudin continued, “We are in favor of delaying the competitive season. We are looking to start preseason on time on August 17, like everyone else, because we understand the benefits it provides to our Student-Athletes.”
The League Athletic Directors are expected to meet again to revise any schedules that need to be updated.
