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Breaking: Cap of 200 fans on HTA-Foothills game in Okotoks

“If unfortunately, a number of people were to get sick, we don’t want that impacting on our schools the following week. We want kids in the building, we want schools to remain open and keep athletics going." Vince Hunter, Foothills Composite High School, principal
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A cap of 200 spectators is in place for the Holy Trinity Academy Knights-Foothills Falcons football game 6 p.m. at the Comp.

COVID has put a cap on the number of fans for the biggest high school football game of the year in Okotoks on Sept. 24.  

A limit of 200 spectators will be in place for the Holy Trinity Academy Knights-Foothills Falcons game Friday night at Falcons field at 6 p.m.  

“We know this game brings such a huge volume of people and we recognized we have to do our best to keep people safe,” said Vince Hunter, principal of Foothills Composite High School. “We are trying to think forward.  

“If unfortunately, a number of people were to get sick, we don’t want that impacting on our schools the following week. We want kids in the building, we want schools to remain open and keep athletics going.  

“We are trying to look long-term.”  

The 200 fans do not include supervisors, coaches and players.The cap is strictly for community members.  

Hunter, who made the decision in collaboration with Foothills School Division administration, said the game typically attracts more than 2,000 spectators.  

Players from both teams have received tickets to distribute to family members or friends.  

The decision has Hunter receiving criticism as if he pulled Bo Levi Mitchell as a starting quarterback.  

“It has been a tough decision, I have taken a lot of criticism for this,” Hunter said. “Because it is outdoors, a number of people have asked why we have put a restriction on the game.  

“The biggest piece is we are looking at thousands of people who will come – it’s always been one of my favourite events at both schools because of the amount of people who come to the game – but that was a concern. 

“We are asking staff to supervise and for some of them it is a position they are uncomfortable with. 

“I know spectators are put in a position – and I know they are choosing to be there – but it is just a ton of people.

“We are trying to be forward thinking, we don’t want to lose staff or students (to absences) the following weeks. Let’s keep the schools open.”  

 Hunter has been in touch with Holy Trinity Academy principal Carmen Ostafichuk in making his decision.  

“She was thoughtful and supportive,” Hunter said. “She and I and our schools are on the same page on doing our absolute best with these type of things while keeping everybody safe.”  

He said a concern about the big game being ‘the event’ which causes further spread of COVID weighed heavily in the decision.  

“I have also taken criticism for still hosting the game,” Hunter said. “We are doing our best to meet in the middle and honour both sides of opinions and beliefs of what is right for kids.”  

Hunter said there are no mask requirements for the game, but spectators are encouraged to wear one. Social distancing is recommended for spectators attending the game when not with those in their cohort. 

The decision was made while Okotoks and Alberta are going through a fourth wave of COVID-19.

 There were 176 cases reported in the community, according to Alberta Health Services statistics as of Sept. 22.

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