HAMLET — Administrators and coaches at Hamlet Middle School announced on Tuesday they plan to return athletics starting next week.
Michelle Denson, Hamlet’s athletic director, informed student-athletes and parents that a modified schedule will allow sports to resume beginning Tuesday, Nov. 17.
That’s the first day high school sports will also begin competitive play, and middle school athletics will follow guidelines set forth by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.
Richmond County Schools approved the return of athletics to its four middle schools earlier this fall, and it’s been decided that teams will only compete against in-county opponents. The Southeastern Middle School Athletic Conference normally consists of teams from Anson, Hoke, Richmond and Scotland counties.
Last week, Ellerbe Middle School’s athletic director Allen Adeimy became the first of the four schools to announce his plan for sports to resume after an eight-month break.
“As of right now, fall sports will start next week and consist of cross country and volleyball, which will conclude before Christmas break,” Denson said. “We will announce later in November tryout dates for cheerleading and basketball.”
A general information meeting for parents and student-athletes will be held using Zoom on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Denson said the meeting “will go over the procedures and expectations for tryouts next week” and answer any questions participants may have.
Tryouts for the Lady Red Ram volleyball team, which will be coached by Alex Gardner, will begin on Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m. Depending on the number of student-athletes, tryouts will run through the end of the week.
Gardner and the Lady Red Rams won the SEMSAC championship last fall, defeating rival Rockingham Middle School to cap a perfect season.
Denson coaches the cross country program, which is for both boys and girls. She plans to start tryouts on Wednesday, Nov. 18, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
“All student-athletes will need a current sports physical on file with our athletic department prior to your tryout date,” Denson said. “There are some exceptions the state has approved based on the dates your prior sports physical was completed.”
If a physician signed a physical after March 1, 2019, or before May 2, 2020, the physical is valid through this athletic school year. Student-athletes and parents will also need to complete an updated medical history form and a concussion form.
“I am asking parents and students to please be patient as we transition back into sports,” Denson said. “This is all uncharted territory, and we will make sure every student and coach is following the state protocols as we move forward to create a safe environment for everyone.
“All your coaches are very eager to get you back playing the sports you love and we look forward to seeing you all.”
For any questions prior to Thursday’s ZOOM meeting, Denson can be contacted via email at michelledenson@richmond.k12.nc.us.
ZOOM Informational Meeting Details
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85746903260…
Meeting ID: 857 4690 3260
Passcode: sports
