Originally published on 6/17/2020
After University Interscholastic League (UIL) lifted restrictions on athletic workouts, Alvin ISD students were allowed to begin Summer Strength and Conditioning Programs. On June 8, hundreds of Alvin ISD student-athletes joined their coaches as workouts resumed. Of course, the district will have their students and staff comply with state officials in regards to CDC and federal guidelines regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
A safe workout environment will be maintained throughout the programs with a focus on risk mitigation. This means students and staff must practice social distancing by remaining six feet apart, bring their own water and sports drinks, and have temperature checks at the campus before being admitted into the workout area.
These workouts are voluntary and coaches and staff will provide students guidance for working out at home or remotely away from school.
Other requirements have one staff member for every 20 students in attendance to make sure appropriate social distancing, hygiene and safety measures are maintained. Students will be unable to shower or maintain lockers at the campus so they will be required to shower at home after their workout. All surfaces in the workout areas will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected throughout and at the end of the day. No clothing or towels can be shared or cleaned on site. Schools will be providing hand sanitizer and hand washing stations readily available in the workout areas.
Strength and conditioning sessions will be no longer than two hours in length, so Alvin High School will have boys training from 7-9am while girls will train from 9-11 am. At Manvel High School and Shadow Creek High, students will be able to choose a 2-hour window between 8am-12pm.
Shadow Creek High School head football coach Brad Butler says, “It’s been exciting to get the kids back on campus and to physically see the kids again.” More than 200 students showed up for the voluntary conditioning program. Manvel High School head football coach Kevin Hall says similar numbers turned out for workouts at Manvel High. Alvin High School saw more than 100 students participate as well.
Shadow Creek Linebacker Terrence Cooks added, “It’s cool. At first it was a little bit weird, but it’s going good. We are all trying to play football next year.”
Next week, weight rooms will be open to students which Coach Butler says, “It’s really going to help us as far as having smaller groupings of kids and being able to rotate around. Incorporating the inside is going to be huge for our preparations.” He added, “It’s a strange time, but everyone is facing the same obstacles. Missing out on spring training means we have a lot of catch up for the summer.”
The District and Athletic Department will continue to monitor any new sanctions or release of sanctions that will affect the workouts of our student athletes.
Watch the Video HERE.