Basketball, gymnastics, ice hockey, track and field and swimming teams are hoping to begin practicing on Monday, Jan. 11.

Barrington High School Director of Athletics and Student Activities George Finn announced last week that the high school’s winter sports teams were tentatively planning to begin their practice schedules starting on Monday, Jan. 11.

The season would have started more than a month ago, but the governor’s three-week “pause” forced teams to delay the start of practices. School officials extended that delay through the holiday break, noting the desire to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

On Dec. 23, BHS students received an email from Mr. Finn announcing the plan for the start of winter sports.

“With the current distance learning plan in place, no one will be present in our buildings until at least January 7th,” Mr. Finn wrote. “Given that the holidays present the possibility of increased COVID cases right after the New Year, and our concerns to protect the health and wellbeing of students and staff, planning for a January 11th start date is the best option for our school district.”

Mr. Finn wrote that the start date is subject to change, based on any new information or guidance from the state.

“Athletic competitions with opposing schools have not yet been approved by the state,” he wrote. “We will be working on a tentative competition schedule for each program to begin after January 22nd.”

In the meantime, Mr. Finn is encouraging all BHS student-athletes to register for the winter sport they intend on playing. He wrote that some coaches may have already reached out to prospective student-athletes and shared information about expectations, training and conditioning, and other information prior to tryouts and practices.

“We are excited about the plans to start athletic programs for our student athletes soon,” Mr. Finn wrote.