My dear Chariots,
It's with a heavy heart that I write to let you all know I've decided to forego practice this afternoon and for the next three-four weeks, in keeping with the closure of all Holt Public School facilities (and other schools too for that matter).
I did not want to do this, and I do feel people are overreacting to the circumstances out of fear. However, it gives me some assurance to know that every other Track team in the State of Michigan is doing the same thing for the health & safety of their team members and their extended families.
This afternoon I learned that there is now 1 confirmed case here in Ingham County, so more are sure to follow. While the risk of infection with the COVID 19 Coronavirus is still reasonably low right now, and the risk of death to a young person is even much lower, there is a relatively higher risk to those over 70 who could contract the virus. With their best interest in mind, and wanting to slow the spread of this virus, the Governor of MI has declared that all public school facilities must remain closed until at least April 6th. This afternoon at 3pm it appears that President Trump will also be declaring a National State of Emergency to instigate other measures to slow the spread of the virus.
After April 6th, we'll see what happens, but I remain hopeful that our spring Track Season can be resurrected in April/May. None of our meets have been canceled yet, as far as I know. However, this is a very fluid situation that is still subject to change, so we'll have wait and see how it develops over the coming weeks.
In the mean time, with the hope that we'll be able to carry on after a short break, I encourage you to keep working out at home. Perhaps, if parents feel ok about it, small groups of kids could even meet to work out together. To that end, I will be emailing a daily workout plan to all of our team members.
I'll be praying for all of you and our team's future together, but we (CHAP Track & Field) are only one small part of something much bigger that is impacting our entire nation. This is a time for all of us to press into the LORD for His peace and for His wisdom.
As Paul wrote to Timothy, "He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love and a sound mind." 1 Timothy 1:7
With much appreciation for all of you,
Coach Shoe
