Charles City sports to have no fans to begin Winter season

In efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and still provide opportunities for student-athletes to participate in activities and athletics at Charles City County High School for the FY2020-21 school year, Winter sports will not have any fans in attendance to begin the season.

“With Governor Northam’s recent order that limits 25 spectators at sporting events, Charles City High School’s Athletic Department has recommended to administration that there be no fans in personal attendance to begin the Winter sports season,” commented Charles City High School Athletic Director Andre’ Jones. “While we understand the disappointment this causes and how the atmosphere will be vastly different, we value a safe environment for our student-athletes, officials, visiting teams, administrative personnel, and game-day operation personnel to provide this opportunity.”

Charles City High School is currently working on logistics to provide live video-streaming for contests so that fans can continue to enjoy the games.

“The athletic department is dealing with many issues and difficulties, but we want to make sure that our Panther fans can still support our athletes,” Jones continued. “From our administration and the athletic department, we greatly appreciate your understanding, and we ask that you continue to be patient with us as we work out the finite details.”

Jones added that the only exception to the 25 spectators in attendance will be the Charles City High School cheerleaders. According to the Virginia High School League (VHSL) release, they are considered spectators and not participants, meaning they will count towards the 25 spectators. Jones said that once their 20 days of mandatory practice is completed, they will be allowed to cheer in the gym under guidelines set by VHSL near mid-January.

Questions or comments about this press release can be directed to Jones by emailing cchighathletics@gmail.com.

If you have any inquiries about the current status of programs and return-to-school protocols for Charles City County High School, you may contact Mr. Marcus Petty Sr., Principal, at mlpetty@ccps.net or (804) 829-9250 or Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dalphine Joppy at 804-652-4612.