CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Football in South Texas is king. The sound of the band, the roar of the crowd and the sight of those Friday night lights are something the Coastal Bend loves.
As the number of coronavirus cases rise across Nueces County, 25 schools have shut down their summer workouts.
"It seemed to be the prudent thing to do and the cautious thing to do," CCISD Athletic Director Brenda Marshall said. "It would be better to shut down and close now rather than having cases during our season."
Many coaches and other athletic directors felt the decision was inevitable.
"We decided for the safety of everybody that we needed to shut it down," Tuloso Midway head football coach Wade Miller said.
Week 1 of the 2020 high school season is scheduled for August 27. The numbers are rising and this is causing some coaches to grow worried about the prospects of a 2020 season.
"I've been doing this for 26 years," Miller said. "I don't see how we're going to play in the fall."
Nothing is complete. We reached out to the UIL who responded with a statement:
"Any plans regarding UIL activities and events for the 2020-21 school year will be dependent upon guidance from local and state authorities and will be released by UIL when more information is available. UIL will continue to work with state officials and monitor CDC and other federal guidance to determine any potential modifications for activities. Schools should take their local context into account and should follow all local and state requirements when considering UIL activities."
Marshall believes there are too many questions that have to be answered before a season can begin.
"What happens when you someone test positive during the football or volleyball season," Marshall said. "There are a lot of unknowns. Can you really totally plan for it now?"
Coaches continue to be optimistic about the 2020 season, but both Miller and Charlton understand what is at stake.
"I'm hoping and praying that we do [have a season]," Miller said.
"We have to take care of our spectators," Charlton said. "You have to take care of our parents and especially our players and athletes."