Spring sports’ contact days are in flux

While the WIAA canceled spring sports this season, it is allowing 30 days of contact in summer starting July 1.

That, the WIAA said in a statement on its website, is only allowed if the state’s restrictions on assembling in groups are removed.

How area conferences and teams would handle the 30 days has yet to be determined.

The North Shore Conference, which includes Port Washington and Grafton high schools, met to discuss the issue but hasn’t released a statement on what it decided. It may wait until the WIAA Board of Control meets on May 15 to see if updated rules or regulations, Port Washington High School Athletic Director Thad Gabrielse said, or it may release its statement this week.

“What is for certain is that our coaches will be provided the opportunity to have 30 days of contact, but it is still to be decided if our school districts will support competition schedules and events,” Gabrielse said.

Cedar Grove-Belgium Athletic Director Scott Parsons said the Big East Conference, which also includes Ozaukee, met in late April but will re-examine the issue this month.

“With the current conditions and so much uncertainty, there’s no need to do anything right now, especially for something that is two months away at the earliest,” he said.

Several coaches said they would like to get their teams together over summer. Grafton softball coach Mike Bergmann wants his players to get a taste of the new turf infield that was installed this spring and maybe host a few games.

“It certainly won’t be the same as a full season, but I’m hoping there are still some positive memories that we can create,” he said.

“It would be nice to give the seniors their chance to take the field a few final times and it would also be helpful for the younger players to have the chance to play together and build some relationships and unity for future years.”

Ozaukee track and field coach Andrew Pfeuffer said he sees benefits of his team being able to bond.

“It would be nice to get some structured coaching and skill work over the summer to hopefully set them back up for success in 2020-2021,” he said.

“I think it could also be great mentally for all the athletes to see their friends and teammates as well.”

Port softball coach Ben Navigato said any experience would help as he tries to rebuild the program. He only has three seniors.

“I have a young team so it would be good to play a little bit over the summer and maybe play some tournaments,” he said.

“A lot of my older girls already play on summer teams but my younger girls do not as far as freshmen and sophomores.”