Minot High staff grateful for patience through winter sports stoppage

MINOT, N.D. – The opening tipoff for Minot High School girls basketball against the visiting Williston Coyotes December 14 represented more than the beginning of another season. It resembled coming up from a swim for fresh air for all student-athletes, families and coaches involved. The ensuing 66-point Majettes victory was icing on the cake.

Weeks earlier, a hiatus from all activities was necessary due to the spike in COVID-19 cases throughout North Dakota. A season that was scheduled to begin in mid-November was put on hold indefinitely.

Fortunately for the high school student-athletes across the state, the pause was relatively short-lived.

“Basically in about mid-November when North Dakota was having a big spike in COVID cases, the governor’s office put a suspension on all activities,” Minot High School Athletic Director Mitch Lunde recalled.

“That changed to be able to start practice on December first and be able to start contests on December fourteenth after nine practices. So we were very happy that most people understood something needed to happen back in mid-November, but we were also understanding that we want our kids to be able to participate and have opportunities to do the things that they love to do.”

They are ecstatic to be competing again at Minot High, but the large crowds, not unlike in college and professional sports leagues country-wide, are missed dearly.

“One of the things that’s happened is we’re missing on the crowds and the people watching,” Lunde said, “which is happening through the NFL and the NBA, so it’s not just North Dakota high school sports. We’d like to get our crowds and be able to watch our kids perform and do the things that they love.”

The biggest challenge they’ve face through the ordeal, Lunde said, was uncertainty. Uncertainty surrounding the ever-present cumulonimbus clouds that represent the possibility of games being halted without warning. Uncertainty regarding who has tested positive for the virus and could re-introduce it to the student population.

Patience and understanding is key, because you never know what will change, or when it does. The latest revisions to Minot High’s attendance guidelines were released at 3:41 p.m. January 6 on Lunde’s Twitter account, @MinotHighAD. The full rundown can be viewed there, but some notable aspects include the requirement of masks at all activities, the allowance of only Minot High spectators at smaller facilities, and a limited number of vouchers being distributed for boys and girls basketball game attendance. The most important thing for parents and others in the community, he noted, is to be aware and stay informed with the latest information regarding what each school district is doing concerning the crowds.

That’s why Lunde and the Minot High community are taking things one day at a time. He noted that the biggest aid in this endeavor has been the patience and support of not only the student-athletes and coaches, but their families as well.

“Truthfully, I can’t speak highly enough of our student-athletes and our coaches,” he said. “It’s not easy. A lot of our coaches are structure-type people, and this can be not a very structured thing, week to week. Obviously, if you’re a senior, you only get one chance to go through high school, so it’s nerve-wracking that way as far as making sure they get some events they get to perform at.”

All in all, he continued, the student body has been exceedingly positive through a turbulent time. Lunde has received few complaints from his students, and is very appreciative of everyone’s understanding of what they’re trying to accomplish: continue with the winter sports slate and keep everyone safe in the process.

The parents have been equally outstanding through the trials. The Minot High staff understands that they simply want their kids to receive as many chances as possible to continue doing what they love.

“There’s nothing better than to watch your son or daughter do something that they love to do,” Lunde remarked. “I think the majority of the parents have been very supportive and understanding.”

The motivation for all involved has always been to keep their eye on the prize, so to speak. Getting to the postseason and March tournaments this year would be a victory in and of itself, and Lunde and everyone else at Minot High is hoping for a little bit of playoff success to sprinkle on top.

Minot High staff grateful for patience through winter sports stoppage

Follow us on Google News

Follow us on Flipboard

Trending Slider

Bismarck invites residents to weigh in on indoor recreation and sports facility plans at October 28 public meetings

Bismarck shares Tyler Parkway construction update as crews target October completion for major work and vandalism causes tens of thousands in damage

Bismarck moves forward with $6.5 million Fire Station 6 in south Bismarck to improve emergency response times

North Dakota Highway Patrol responds after semi hauling anhydrous ammonia rolls over near Devils Lake

Bismarck Fire Department responds to accidental fire at Butler Machinery, sprinkler system limits damage to one service bay

Bismarck Police identify 17-year-old boy who died days after crash that killed 16-year-old girl, investigate alleged street racing

Follow us on News Break

Categories

Minot High staff grateful for patience through winter sports stoppage

Related posts

ACHA Women’s Division 1 National Championships to be held in ND

West Fargo ends 29-year title drought, defeats Minot 65-60 in Class A championship

Minot’s Deonte Martinez commits to Bismarck State College

Hockey: Bottineau-Rugby boys beat Mandan, Minot girls fall at home

Packers and Mustangs softball, baseball teams ‘excited’ as seasons get into full swing

Beavers close book on ’21, look to improve upon finish in ’22

Follow us on Google News

Follow us on Flipboard

Bismarck invites residents to weigh in on indoor recreation and sports facility plans at October 28 public meetings

Bismarck shares Tyler Parkway construction update as crews target October completion for major work and vandalism causes tens of thousands in damage

Bismarck moves forward with $6.5 million Fire Station 6 in south Bismarck to improve emergency response times

North Dakota Highway Patrol responds after semi hauling anhydrous ammonia rolls over near Devils Lake

Bismarck Fire Department responds to accidental fire at Butler Machinery, sprinkler system limits damage to one service bay

Bismarck Police identify 17-year-old boy who died days after crash that killed 16-year-old girl, investigate alleged street racing