Fall high school practices are underway, and by the time you read this, teams in soccer, cross country and volleyball already will have begun keeping score.
COVID still is out there, but so far the season will open with no major restrictions, either from the state or the Oregon Schools Activities Association.
Here is a look at what’s new at Stayton, Regis and Cascade:
Stayton: The Eagles are not charging admission for home games, a policy that will extend into basketball season. Masks for athletes will not be required outdoors – at least as of this writing – but spectators, whether outdoors or indoors, will be required to mask up as per the governor’s most recent order.
There will be no limits on spectator capacity, but groups and families are asked to keep six feet of distance between them and other groups.
Morgan Alley will begin her first full year as the coach of Eagles girls soccer.
The program continues to make strong inroads with its facilities. Athletic Director Darren Shryock noted that the softball hitting facility is complete, a turf infield for softball will be ready for spring and the gym floor has been repainted to match the new interior paint.
“It looks spectacular,” Shryock told Our Town.
The Stayton football team, 1-4 a year ago, opens at home Sept. 3 vs. Estacada. The Oregon West Conference is a five-team league for football because Philomath will be playing down at 3A. The Eagles will face off with league foes Cascade, Sweet Home, Newport and Woodburn.
Cascade: The Cougars open the football season Saturday, Sept. 4 at Baker. Cascade was 3-3 a year ago, with losses to 6A Canby, 5A Marist Catholic and a 4A playoff contest at Banks.
Carlos Huber takes over the boys soccer coaching position at Cascade.
Regis: The Rams have a new athletic director, former Olympic decathlete Dave Johnson, who also has run sports programs at Corban University and South Salem High School.
Brynie Robinson moves over from league foe Colton to take over the Rams’ football program, which was 4-1 a year ago (the only loss was to 5-1 Kennedy).
Regis also is starting a wrestling program. No coach has been named yet.
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