Glenvar High School winter sports are ready to begin competition within the next week while Salem is still a “no go,” although some of the practice restrictions have been lifted.
Beginning this week, Salem High basketball teams can share the ball in practice, play some defense and wear a mask while competing. Wrestlers still must social distance and the swimmers are doing the same as they practice at the Salem YMCA.
Due to the Department of Health metrics, Salem teams are not allowed to compete against other schools this week. The metrics will be examined again on Monday, January 18, to decide how to proceed from that point.
Meanwhile, the Roanoke County School System has given the go-ahead to begin interscholastic athletic competition, but only among the five county schools. That includes Glenvar along with Northside, Cave Spring, Hidden Valley and William Byrd.
Glenvar’s first games since February of 2020 will be Friday, as both basketball teams take on William Byrd. The boys will be at home and the girls will take on the Terriers in Vinton.
No spectators will be allowed at these games but fans can watch the action by live streaming. Go to Facebook and click on Glenvar High School to view the game.
The Highlanders are currently attempting to set up access to the NFHS Network. When that is finalized fans can live stream games from any high school participating, but must have a subscription to do so. The individual has a choice of a monthly subscription for $10.99 or an annual subscription for $69.99. Many high school are already participating, and to subscribe go to nfhsnework.com.
The Glenvar wrestling team is scheduled to compete for the first time next Tuesday, January 19, with a 5 pm match at William Byrd High School.
“The ADs are making some adjustments to the schedule so you can expect to see some adjustments to the matches over the next few days, but the first one on Tuesday is locked and loaded,” said Glenvar coach Jason Cline. “We are back to practicing now. I’m so glad they decided to allow some sort of season. The kids are excited and really looking forward to getting back on the mat in a Glenvar singlet.”
The Glenvar swimmers open next Monday at the Gator Pool in a tri-meet with Cave Spring and William Byrd, with warmups at 7:30 pm and the first horn at 8 pm. The following week Glenvar has back-to-back to back meets on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and that’s it for the regular season.
“Hopefully the School Board will allow us to compete in Regions and States,” said Highlander coach Shannon Hall. “Our girls team should be very competitive again.”
The Glenvar girls were 2020 Class 2 state champions.
