NMAA looking at another season delay

With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in the state, the New Mexico Activities Association is looking at another delay of what is already a packed spring sports season.

The NMAA, the state’s organizing body for athletics and activities, continues to be optimistic all sports will have some season.

In a Monday release from the association, Executive Director Sally Marquez said it is unlikely the first sports in the queue, basketball and swimming and diving, will happen as scheduled.

“Is it realistic,” Marquez asked, “we’re going to start on Jan. 4? As school districts are voting to not get back into the hybrid until mid-January it’s probably a situation where Jan. 4 is going to be a stretch.

“Maybe it will be a Feb. 1 start date. We are still looking to play every sport in the 2020-21 school year.”

Marquez said athletes can continue to work out in 4-to-1 pods, provided the respective school district’s administration allows those activities to continue.

Any program out of season, Marquez said, cannot work out during the holiday break. Powerlifting is an exception to the rule.

Marquez noted many COVID-19 infections are coming into schools from outside sources, and asked athletes to be honest about out-of-state travel and visitors for Thanksgiving and quarantine if necessary for the good of their programs.

“If they do have any symptom, even a sore throat, then don’t come to practice,” Marquez said. “All you are doing when you come to practice in those situations is you’re exposing your teammates.”

Marquez understands the frustration student-athletes are feeling, but noted that long-term goals like state championships require meeting short-term goals, and the current situation is no different.

“Remain positive,” Marquez said. “The long-term goal is there. We will continue to work every single day, every single week, to make sure we play again.”