Sheldon Iowa — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that summer athletic seasons may be conducted for high school baseball and softball following a two-month activities suspension due to COVID-19.
The announcement approved the reopening of school facilities and the start of practices for Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and Iowa High School Athletic Association sanctioned summer sports starting on Monday, June 1. Per the Iowa Department of Education, first contests may occur as early as Monday, June 15 and fans will be permitted at games.
The IGHSAU Board of Directors and IHSAA Board of Control met after the announcement and both groups voted to approve resuming the 2020 summer seasons under Iowa Department of Education guidelines.
Kiwa Sports talked with Sheldon Activities Director Eric Maassen on Thursday about the opening of the summer sports season. The announcement giving the go ahead for the start of practice June 1st and games on the 15th is just the start of the process.
As far as scheduling there are some things in place but it will be a work in progress.
One of the benefits of dealing with softball and baseball as opposed to football is that all teams qualify for the tournaments.
The ultimate goal is to play ball at all age levels from varsity to JV, freshman and middle school.
For Orab fans a new way of viewing softball and baseball will truly be a new way of viewing due to some improvements at the Sheldon complex.
Season start up notes from Sheldon Activities Director Eric Maassen:
At this time, we are looking to gauge our numbers and do an “electronic” sign up for baseball/softball. If you, or your son/daughter are planning to play or are interested in playing baseball/softball this summer, can you please email Mr. Maassen with your name so he can start a list for our coaches? eric.maassen@sheldonschools.com
We will also have an electronic meeting for all prospective members of both the baseball and softball teams next Tuesday, May 26th at 7:00 PM. Mr. Maassen will send out a separate email to those who respond via email with interest with the link to that meeting. At the meeting, the coaches and Mr. Maassen will discuss measures we will be taking to provide a safe and exciting season for everyone. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Maassen directly.
We understand this may be a difficult decision for some of you. If you are unsure, please reach out to Mr. Maassen or your coaches with your concerns. We are working with the IHSAA/IGHSAU to create guidelines to have these seasons in a safe manner. More information on what that looks like will be shared at the meeting on Tuesday night.
Right now, we are planning for the HS level. If you also have a 7 or 8th grade student more information is coming regarding that season.
