While many kids wish for ice skates, dolls, and toy cars for Christmas, those presents usually don’t quite fit the interests of high school and middle school students. Some teens have absolutely no clue what to ask for, but Minnesota’s Governor knows exactly what to give. Cannon Falls High School students may have just received the best Christmas present of all: Winter Sports. 

In late November, Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-99 to put a temporary pause on winter sports seasons. Teams were not allowed to hold in-person practices or competitions until further notice. The mandate was scheduled to expire on December 18, but the Governor stayed on top of his game, issuing Executive Order 20-103. According to this new mandate, winter sports teams — including Dance, Girls & Boys Basketball, and Wrestling — can begin in-person practices as early as January 4, 2021. Two weeks ago, the MSHSL (Minnesota State High School League) approved a scheduling plan that complies with the new order. Both parties, the MSHSL and the Governor, acknowledge Minnesota students’ and coaches’ anticipation of returning to their activities. With that said, CFHS has yet to give word on when their students may dive into in-person practices. How the competition season will play out or when it will begin also remains a mystery as of right now. There are still plenty of unknowns about the winter sports season, yet this small bit of news will have a massive impact on the morale of students all across Minnesota High Schools. 

When news broke that CFHS was flipping to full-time distance learning from a hybrid style of learning, many students remained optimistic, primarily due to the social opportunities that were maintained through winter sports. However, the mandate putting those sports on pause also put a slight damper on some students’ spirits. As the country edges closer and closer to hitting the one year mark of the pandemic and quarantine, feelings remain mixed on whether this next year will bring much hope. The Governor’s newest update on the subject, along with the first wave of COVID-19 vaccinations, may just shed a glimmer of light that inspires a turn around as everyone trickles into the new year.