Fall sports season kicks off Sept. 28 at Cape High

Fall sports are a go at Cape High, Assistant Superintendent Jenny Nauman confirmed Sept. 24.

Team practice and tryouts will begin Monday, Sept. 28, for all fall varsity, junior varsity and unified sports teams, with games beginning the week of Monday, Oct. 19, she said. 

“We will be considering middle school sports at a later time,” Nauman said.

A limited number of spectators will be allowed based on space, equity and social distancing guidelines, Nauman said.

“Only home spectators will be allowed,” Nauman said. “Masks must be worn and there will be some type of health assessment as well. Coaches and athletes will have to follow all procedures put forth by Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association.”

Nauman said the district is waiting on approval from Delaware Division of Public Health on a submitted plan to play volleyball inside the gym, and will have to apply for a waiver and submit a plan for football games, which regularly attract more than the occupancy limit of 250 spectators, in addition to nearly 200 people comprising the two teams, coaching staff, cheerleaders and band.  

Games will be livestreamed on a subscription basis, which should be up and running soon, Nauman said. 

“We are excited that our student athletes get to play this fall,” Nauman said. “I am grateful to all our coaches and especially our new Athletic Director Kevin Smith and Assistant Athletic Director Mike Connors for all their tireless work to ensure we are following safety protocols and guidelines.”

The State Board of Education voted Sept. 17 to allow fall sports to begin this fall, approving the latest DIAA emergency regulation allowing practice to begin Monday, Sept. 28, with scrimmages and competition to follow. 

DIAA had previously voted to shorten the fall season and start it in February, between winter and spring sports, but guidance from DPH and Gov. John Carney on Sept. 1 allowed for football and other sports previously considered high-risk to be played, prompting DIAA to revise its original fall sports decision.

Fall sports schedules are posted at capevikingssports.com.