Usually, there is an after-school activity or a sporting event happening every day at Mount Carmel. However, right now, there is very little going on, with swimming and other winter sports being pushed back until at least January. This is all due to the recent IHSA rulings in response to the ongoing pandemic.

With all sports currently suspended or postponed, the recent ruling affects the athletes’ training. Outdoor workouts are limited to 10 participants. Coaches are counted in that number. One-on-ones are permitted for winter sport athletes only. Weight lifting and conditioning before and after school are on pause, as are “open gym” programs. After school activities were also affected. Practices and competitions may only be held virtually.

Once the mitigation is lifted, contact days will be restricted to six hours per student-athlete per sport each week and can include practices, drills, and intra-squad scrimmages allowable under Illinois Department of Public Health guidance. The IHSA’s board will meet with the governor in early January to set a timeline for the resumption of winter sports. Scheduling for those sports, including spring and summer sports, will happen shortly afterward.

No sports have been canceled as of now, and the IHSA plans on having a season for all the sports this school year.  However, with the postponements of both fall and winter sports, it will be challenging to find time and facility space in the spring to make up every season.