Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

This year has been a hard one for high school athletes. The arrival of COVID-19 

 last March — just when the girls’ basketball state tournament had two days left of play and 12 teams were competing for titles. The boys were still competing for section wins. 

Spring sports were canceled. Fall sports were allowed to resume, but with shortened seasons and new rules to reduce the spread of coronavirus. 

Then, when COVID-19 cases surged in Minnesota in November, Gov. Tim Walz 

 of winter sports like basketball, hockey, wrestling and swimming. 

Now, these programs are starting up again. State guidelines changed on Jan. 4, when teams were allowed to 

, and games are allowed to resume starting Thursday. 

What role do sports play in keeping young people mentally and physically healthy? What changes are coaches making to slow the spread of the virus? What’s it like to wear masks while playing, answer daily health questionnaires and adjust to small practice pods? And is it any fun playing, in many cases, with no fans? 

MPR News guest host and reporter Dan Kraker spoke with two coaches and a sports medicine doctor about high school sports during the pandemic. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on:

Sports

Shows

MPR News with Angela Davis

Health

COVID-19

Host

Author

MPR News guest host and reporter Dan Kraker talked to high school coaches and a sports doctor about what it’s like playing hockey, basketball and other winter sports during a pandemic. 

MPR News with Angela Davis - MPR News guest host and reporter Dan Kraker talked to two high school coaches and a sports doctor about what it’s like playing hockey, basketball and other winter sports during a pandemic. 

High school winter sports resume play

Go Deeper.

Like this?