CCS starts weight room hours for athletes

With COVID-19 shutting down physical aspects of the school, Gov. Ricketts’ Phase II Directed Health Measures (DHMs) allowed the opening of school gyms and weight rooms this week.
The NSAA COVID-19 Advisory Committee also released guidelines for student athletes.
Monday was the first day for the open weight room at Chase County Schools for student athletes only, and opened for just three days.
Students are required to come dressed (no locker rooms), bring their own water bottles and masks if desired.
“We are lucky to have a large weight room along with the indoor track and auxiliary gym,” CCS Activities Director Troy Hauxwell said.
With Ricketts’ DHM, the number of people in a gathering increased from 10 to 25 as of June 1.
“We should be able to accommodate all of our student athletes in each session even if we need to break off into two groups,” Hauxwell said.
With 15-minute intervals between sessions allowed for disinfecting, high school boys were in the weight room from 6 to 7 a.m., high school girls from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. and junior high boys and girls from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
On Monday, there were 19 high school boys who showed up, 21 high school girls and 16 junior high students.
Leading the sessions were Nathan Gaswick, P.E./body conditioning teacher and assistant football coach, and various coaches including new high school head volleyball coach April Lambert. Other coaches assisted with checking temperatures as students arrived and disinfecting the areas.
Head boys basketball coach Chris Bartels came for the high school boys’ session, while cross country and track coach Carl Zuege assisted with temps after starting some of his runners on a group run outside.
“Once we get a routine going we’ll probably have Gaswick and one or two coaches during sessions,” Hauxwell said.
Hauxwell added that participation is completely voluntary.
“We will continue to adjust as things change,” he added.
Upon arrival, students have their temperature taken and receive hand sanitizer. Coaches help encourage social distancing during check-in.
“We’ll see how this first week goes,” Hauxwell said.
For now, only CCS students are allowed to attend the scheduled weight room sessions.
“I am not allowing college athletes or community members to come into the school at this time,” Hauxwell said.