Friday night is going to look almost like a normal horsemen demon competition, even with a surge in coronavirus cases.
The only difference will be tailgating as Santa Fe Public Schools sports director Marc Ducharme said Santa Fe High will not allow fans to do this for the game. Ducharme said, however, that the game does not require viewers to wear masks, which should attract between 2,500 and 4,000 fans to Ivan Head Stadium, and he does not envision stepping away from the crowd to encourage social distancing.
He said the district is adhering to the latest update to guidelines made available to schools by the state Department of Education. Last week, the department issued a recommendation for athletes, coaches and spectators to wear masks, but did not make it mandatory.
Ducharme said part of the argument was that he saw fans at sporting events so far this year in order to adhere to social distancing measures.
“We will be ready if there are restrictions or attendance restrictions,” said Ducharme. “When I look in the stands I think that’s just the way it is in Santa Fe. People are aware of that [social distancing] here and it’s something that just seems to happen on its own. “
At the Santa Fe High season opener, about 2,000 fans attended the Demons’ 34-6 win over Las Vegas Robertson, but the majority of the home team’s fans gathered in the center of the stands.
Typically, the St. Michael’s-Santa Fe High game for both schools attracts the largest number of spectators of the season, which is why it is played at Ivan Head Stadium. The two schools take turns hosting the game, and this year it was Santa Fe High’s turn.
St. Michael’s sports director Kevin Garcia said he had no problem with the school district’s decision, adding it was the home game of Santa Fe High. He also said the St. Michael’s district has been very accommodating over the years, using the stadium for state playoff games and all three Class 3A championship games the school has hosted since 2003.
“We appreciate what they are doing for us,” said Garcia. “It’s their home game and we will honor that.”
In recent years, fans have hosted tailgate parties before the game, especially on the visitor side, where St. Michael’s fans usually sit. Garcia added that the school has its own hatchback tradition at the Christian Brothers Athletic Complex that goes back about 15 years.
During Saturday’s 60-8 win against Capital, the parking lot on the east side was home to several Capital and St. Michael’s families who watched the game while they ate homemade food and drank water and other beverages.
Ducharme said watching the tailgate section during the Jaguars Rider game prompted him to make the decision to ban the tailgate.
“Some people brought it with them upI’m worried, and I heard and saw that on Saturday, “said Ducharme.” It just doesn’t make any sense. A tailgate doesn’t encourage social distancing. “
Ducharme also said that it would not be difficult for Santa Fe High to provide seating for fans if necessary. He said traces of glue from the caution tape used to cordon off sections of the district that were used in the spring when the state put stricter requirements on outdoor sporting events would still be in place, helping staff recreate those spaces.
“We will continue to adapt if necessary,” said Ducharme. “As long as we let the children play, I’m happy with it.”
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