With the conclusion of golf and cross country, this year’s shortened and COVID-restricted fall sports season has begun to wind down. 

Now that fall sports have begun to subside, many are turning their attention to the next season. MaSCAC (The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference) has recently shut down all college winter sports due to the pandemic, causing many to worry about the fate of the Greylock winter sports season. 

Last week, the Executive Office of Energy and Affairs released guidelines under which competitive cheerleading and wrestling would not be allowed. Because these sports take place indoors and require prolonged high contact, they have been labeled “higher risk.”

As for other winter sports such as basketball and cross country skiing, any major decisions in regard to their status will be made next week. The MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) Sports Committee will meet to determine any specific modifications that will be made to the winter season. Then, the MIAA Covid Task Force will make certain recommendations that the MIAA Board will vote on. This board meeting will occur on the 20th of November.

Aside from these local rulings, the next steps are more regional. The county will impose Berkshire-specific regulations, though each district will be able to adjust certain aspects of the season. 

However, the districts have to reflect consistent policies within the county. Once all that is finished, MG Athletic Director Lindsey von Holtz will create a detailed proposal about the winter season. This proposal will be submitted to the Mount Greylock School Committee at the committee meeting on November 23rd.

Despite all these meetings, plans and regulations, the fate of future seasons remains unclear.

 “A couple of days ago, I would have said [the skiing season] would have been just like cross-country [running],” said MG Nordic Skiing Coach Hilary Greene, “but now it’s hard to say.” 

According to Coach Hillary Greene, nordic skiing is one sport that is likely to happen, because “the MIAA is all for skiing”. 

Unfortunately, one major problem with a COVID-restricted ski season is that the team would not be able to go indoors. If the weather gets particularly bad, then the team would have nowhere to go. 

Despite this, Coach Greene is still optimistic about the season. “I think keeping kids active is as much of a health concern as being safe from COVID.”

However, the crux of the matter is this: no one knows what will happen. It may even remain unclear after the plethora of committee meetings next week. The winter season could move forward, albeit with restrictions, but it could also be cancelled.