Ste. Gen Updates Protocols

By ERIC X. VICCARO

EVICCARO@STEGENHERALD.COM

The Ste. Genevieve R-II School District last Wednesday announced several changes for winter athletics due to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Originally, it was thought the district would carry over attendance limitations from the fall season.

However, that’s now not the case, as detailed in Version No. 4 of the district’s reopening plan.

“Due to differences in student participation between various sports, and more events moving indoors, the number of spectators will differ for winter athletics,” said Ste. Genevieve R-II athletic director Dr. Jeff Nix, “in order for us to be able to adequately socially distance spectators.”

Nix said visitor attendance will depend upon the sport, and type of event.

“While we know that attending our activities is an important part of supporting our student-athletes, we also want to be sure that we are taking all of the necessary precautions,” Nix added.

For Ste. Genevieve High School wrestling, four tickets will be allowed per athlete — while tournaments, triangular meets and quadrangular meets will feature a “pass list.”

For Dragon boys’ basketball, the limit will be three tickets per athlete, with extra tickets for community use.

There also will be times when athletes will receive four tickets; however, no extras will be available for community use.

Ste. Genevieve girls’ basketball will allow four tickets per athlete.

At the middle school level, 33 people will be placed on a “pass list” for wrestling meets based on the number of schools participating.

One-hundred tickets will be distributed per team for Ste. Genevieve Middle School boys’ and girls’ basketball.

The district reported visiting schools will have the same number of tickets allowed, with home and visitor seating both designated and enforced.

Masks will be required when spectators are entering or exiting the building and transition periods — including visits to the concession stand.

Families are urged to “sit together” and use social distancing practices.

Keep in mind, there will not be a “student section” at this time, Version No. 4 explained.

The district will provide links for away events as they happen.

Admission fees for winter contests will be $3 for adults and $2 for students (high school level) and $2 for adults and $1 for students (SGMS events).

When possible, events will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube Channel called, SGDragonTV.

Also, follow the Ste. Genevieve Herald’s Twitter site for updates from both basketball games and wrestling matches at: @HeraldSte. The newspaper will be shooting video snippets and reporting scorers.

MSHSAA SETS NEW DATE

Although the winter sports season is officially underway, the Missouri State High School Activities Association won’t announce classification sizes and district assignments until Friday, Dec. 11 — for boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ and girls’ wresting and girls’ swimming and diving.