ELY – Ely runners in grades 7-12 were mostly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Monday morning as they began their cross country fall training at the U.S. Forest Service Station parking lot here.
All athletes were run through a quick medical query and temperature checks before lining up for warm ups with Coach Jayne Dusich. Runners started out in jackets and sweatshirts as temperatures hovered just below 50 degrees and long shadows were cast in the early morning sunshine.
Runners are alternating team training locations at the Forest Service and Van Vac Road boat launch as they gear up for the season. Practices are held in the early mornings Monday thru Thursday. Runners will gather even in drizzle, light rain or snow, but practice is canceled in thunder, lightning or pouring rain, Dusich said. “If they have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat or any other symptoms of illness, we want them to stay home, too, of course.”
The 2020 cross country season in Ely is one of few sports being conducted this fall because of public health orders from the Minnesota State High School League due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Meets will be limited to no more than three teams, and a limited number of meets are planned for this season, according to Ely School Athletic Director Tom Coombe.
Ely athletes on the swimming team, based in Babbitt out of Northeast Range High School, also started practice this week. Swim meets will involve no more than two teams, according to Coombe.
ISD 696 officials this year approved the addition of a girls soccer cooperative with Mesabi East. Practice also started Monday. One Ely athlete signed up to participate.
The Ely Memorial High School dance team welcomes a new coach, Desirae Cram, but their season has been pushed back until winter.
The 2020-2021 school year in Ely begins Monday, Sept. 8 with in-person learning.