As coronavirus cases continue to rise across the nation, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has modified the athletic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.  On Tuesday, the organization announced a postponed start to the season for conferences 5A and 6A.

Rider and Wichita Falls High School, both Class 5A institutions, can begin playing games for football and volleyball on Sept. 24 and Sept. 14, respectively. These teams will withhold starting after-school practice until Sept. 7, more than two weeks after school is scheduled to resume.

Rider’s team tennis and cross-country seasons also were pushed back about a month to Sept. 7. All four fall sports will begin playoffs later than usual because of the postponed start.

In the original press release UIL issued, the organization claimed that the new schedule was deemed appropriate given the surge in coronavirus cases in the larger Texas cities that house 5A and 6A schools.

“We are hopeful this plan allows students to participate in the education-based activities they love in a way that prioritizes safety and mitigates risk of Covid-19 spread,” Dr. Charles Breithaupt, UIL Executive Director, said.

UIL additionally cautions that the schedule may continue to change as the public health situation develops, urging students, parents and coaches to remain flexible.

To read the complete press release issued by UIL, click here.