(From Michael Butler, WTLS Radio)
First there was a positive COVID case within the Tallassee High School varsity boys basketball program that put the squad in a two-week quarantine period in early December. The following week the decision was made to stop all extra-curricular activities due to an overall spike in coronavirus cases.
As school returns in January of a new year, the plan is to return to the new normal. Sporting events will be scheduled but limitations on attendance will be enforced.
"Due to the continued spread of COVID-19 in our community, TCS will be reducing the number of spectators at our sporting events," Tallassee City Schools superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin noted in a release. "We will continue to use the GoFan link process, posted on the THS/SMS/TCS websites and social media."
The capacity for ticket sales were headlined by Nolin.
For high school basketball games, only 120 tickets will be sold. Originally, that number was 220. Of the 120-ticket allotment, 90 will be available for Tallassee fans with the remaining 30 for visitors.
The numbers will be smaller at THS wrestling events held on campus. 60 total tickets will be available per game, 45 for the home side and 15 for the visitors.
The figures are subject to change.
"The goal is to keep everyone as safe as possible while allowing our student-athletes the opportunity to participate in their sport," Nolin added.
Southside events will also be limited, but the numbers have yet to be disclosed.
The SMS basketball boys and girls teams will host Trinity on Tuesday, Jan. 5. The junior varsity and varsity basketball teams next home action at Stumberg Gym is scheduled for Jan. 14 vs. Calhoun.
The wrestling team's next home match is with the JV team vs. Holtville and St. James on Jan. 11. The varsity's next home match is Senior Night slated for Jan. 28 against Beulah and Reeltown.