ELY - Practices started this week for the Ely Memorial High School football and volleyball teams and games begin next week. The Timberwolves football team opens their season next Friday, Oct. 9, at South Ridge, and will host Cook County on Oct. 14 or Oct. 15.
Iron Range football teams will play six regular season contests and volleyball teams are allowed a 14-game regular season. ISD 696 Athletic Director Tom Coombe said both sports are allowed a two-week postseason limited to section play.
Up to 250 fans will be allowed at outdoor high school sports events to start the season.
The Ely girls volleyball team opens their season on Thursday, Oct. 8 at International Falls. They will host Silver Bay at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. Because of public health concerns over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and state and district restrictions, spectators will not be allowed.
“There’s still a lot of excitement and anticipation for the start of the football and volleyball seasons,” Coombe said. “Hopefully, as the season continues, we can allow spectators. Schedules could be changed as the season progresses.”
In addition to the state Department of Health and Minnesota State High School League COVID-19 protocols, the Ely school district is requiring daily health screenings for players and weekly COVID-19 testing for teachers who are also coaching volleyball or football, according to Coombe.
Ely school district winter sports, including hockey, boys and girls basketball and Nordic skiing are all scheduled to begin practice in November, with games and contests starting later that month or early December.
A calendar for winter sports could be determined as soon as the MSHSL board meets again.
2020 Ely Football Schedule
Oct. 9 - at South Ridge
Oct. 14/15-Cook County
Oct.  23- at Silver Bay
Oct. 30 - NE Range
Nov. 6 - Cherry
Nov. 13 - at LOW
2020 Ely Volleyball Schedule
Oct. 8 at I-Falls
Oct. 10 Silver Bay
Oct. 13 at NE Range
Oct. 20 Littlefork-Big Falls
Oct. 22 Cherry
Oct. 27 at Silver Bay
Oct. 29 Mesabi East
Nov. 2 I-Falls
Nov. 5 at North Woods
Nov. 16 NE Range
Nov. 19 at Bigfork
Nov. 23 MI-Buhl
Nov. 24 at Lakeview Christian Academy