Boys tennis, softball get CHSAA green light

On July 29, the Colorado High School Athletics Association (CHSAA) announced that boys tennis and softball would join boys golf for the fall 2020 sports season. As of Aug. 2, other fall sports including football and volleyball are still awaiting a verdict.

Softball and boys tennis are permitted to begin official practices on Aug. 10 with competition starting as soon as Aug. 13. Health and safety is a top priority and CHSAA has made significant modifications to each sport’s season.

Per CHSAA, the softball season will be shortened from 23 to 16 games, rosters will be limited to 12 players and coaches will be required to wear masks throughout the season. Niwot High School head softball coach Bobby Matthews has held team workouts since early June and is happy to get back to playing games despite all the changes.

“I'm excited for the girls,” Matthews said. ”Emotionally, when I told them last week at our workouts that the season has been approved, you could just see it in their face. Regardless of the restrictions and the amount of games that we only get to play, the fact that we get to play was huge in their mind.”

Matthews said the Cougars will have a young but talented roster in 2020 after finishing 12-14 last season. Even with a shortened season, Matthews believes optimism and complying with health guidelines will be key to getting their full season in during these ever-changing times.

Over on the tennis courts, Niwot head boys tennis coach Miikka Keronen is also excited to get the ball bouncing on the season. Keronen will have to navigate a shorter season as well with matches being reduced from a maximum of 12 to nine. As in softball, high-fives and handshakes are outlawed and tennis players are asked to pick up balls with their racquet or foot during matches.

Keronen’s Cougars have also been holding informal summer practices and are looking to repeat their regional title from last year. Niwot finished third in state and Keronen’s confidence hasn’t wavered in 2020. “Talent-wise, I think we probably have one of the best teams in state,” he said.

After months of a pandemic lifestyle, the return of sports will be another important step in the return to normalcy and “huge for the mental health of these kids” according to Matthews.

“I’m really happy,” Matthews said. “I was dreading having to tell my players they weren't going to get a season.”

You can read the full CHSAA COVID-19 modifications for boys tennis, softball and boys golf here.