Vineyard high school spring sports begin this week and for the first time all year there is no limit on the number of fans permitted to attend the games.
Previously this year, only parents and siblings were allowed at high school sporting events but due to the outdoor nature of spring sports and the ability to distance spectators from each other, Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School athletic director Mark McCarthy said all are welcome to attend.
Like the student-athletes, spectators are required to wear a mask at all times. Fans are also asked to socially distance and not congregate in one area.
“We request that people respect that,” Mr. McCarthy said. “We are opening it up and we need people to be conscientious of the rules on the campus.”
The action begins on Thursday when the track team travels to Falmouth for a meet beginning at 3:30 p.m.
On Friday there will be a plethora of competition at the regional high school, starting with boys lacrosse against Sturgis East at 3 p.m. Shortly after, at 3:15 p.m., the softball team starts their season against Monomoy and boys tennis takes on Falmouth at 4 p.m. The baseball team will close out the day against Falmouth with the first pitch scheduled for 4:15 p.m.
Girls lacross begins next week, on Monday, at St. John Paull II.
Most teams will play at least a 12-game schedule against mainly high schools on Cape Cod. Because of the fall sports II season, spring sports started about a month later than usual and the regular season will conclude on June 17, the last day of school.
In another first for high school sports this year, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association will hold state-wide playoff tournaments and every team has an invitation to participate regardless of their record.
Mr. McCarthy said the MIAA did not want to limit the number of playoff participants due to the cancellation of spring sports last year. The playoffs will conclude no later than July 4.
The unified track team is taking a different approach to the spring season. Head coach Ryan Kent said instead of traveling for meets against other schools, his squad will compete intramurally against other MVRHS teams.
Mr. Kent said he worked with baseball head coach Kyle Crossland, softball head coach Sam Burns and girls lacrosse head coach Jo Douglas to create a four-game schedule starting next Thursday at 2:30 p.m. for unified track.
“I’ve had overwhelming support from the spring coaches,” Mr. Kent said. “Unified athletics is a great springboard for community building and getting everyone included.”
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