We have major, and frankly, stunning breaking news developing this afternoon concerning Mount Si High School’s football program.
The school and Snoqualmie Valley School District, in accordance with protocols implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19, has shut down the Wildcat football program and canceled the final two home games of the season – tomorrow’s against Skyline and next Friday’s against Bellevue, after being made aware that several individuals associated with the program and who participated in this past Saturday afternoon’s game at Issaquah have tested positive for the virus. Athletes and coaches who tested positive or were identified as part of contact tracing were advised last night to go into the standard quarantine period for virus exposure.
In a statement, SVSD superintendent Rob Manahan expressed disappointment at having to make the decision, but cautioned that it was for the greater good – namely ensuring a safe reopening of the high school for in-person learning. “This was a heartbreaking decision that we understand is especially disappointing to our student athletes, coaches and families who have so eagerly anticipated their season. Even so, this decision is necessary for the safety of our students and staff,” Manahan said. “We are taking this action according to DOH (state Department of Health) recommendations in order to contain the spread of COVID. There is concern that without this quarantine period, we would risk continuing the spread into school — which could result in halting our efforts to bring back all students to in-person learning.”
It is not clear how the Wildcat athletes and coaches may have been exposed, as strict protocols have been in place to help prevent spread such as mandated mask wearing and other things. Additionally, it is also not known if Issaquah’s program also has been forced to shut down over this situation. We will check and advise for you if that is the case.
This marks the first significant issue for high school football in Washington with the virus since the season restarted earlier this month.
About Rhett Workman
Rhett Workman is the editor of the Snoqualmie Valley Sports Journal. Workman is a veteran sports journalist, having covered Snoqualmie Valley sports for nearly a decade with the Snoqualmie Valley Record newspaper before starting up the SVSJ. Workman’s coverage has earned the support and respect of Valley coaches, players, parents and fans, and the SVSJ continues the standard of coverage that Workman brought to the Valley Record.View all posts by Rhett Workman →