Panthers ensuring safety of athletes

By Courtney Warren

In the midst of the pandemic, there is football. Which the fear of canceled games and even canceled seasons hanging over their heads, the Canton Academy coaching staff and administration is taking precautions. 

Head football coach Gage Posey said, “We are going to do all we can to ensure the health and safety of all of our athletes.” 

Football players are now using individual water bottles on the field during games and practices to discourage bottle sharing while additional hand sanitizing stations have been set up throughout the campus. 

The cheerleading squad is also taking precautions and have adjusted their pep rally cheers and schedules to remain at least 6 feet apart and not include games that involve physical contact. 

“We have a COVID policy in place and we are following that closely,” said Principal Ryan Laster. 

With all of that in mind, more and more students are getting vaccinated or doing what they can to remain healthy if they are unable to get the vaccine. 

8th-grader Mac Stacey said, “I got vaccinated because my grandmother got very sick and I can’t be around her otherwise. I want to make sure I’m keeping my own family safe as well as my teammates at school. It was the best decision for me.”

“I’ve gotten my first vaccine and am scheduled for my second. My mom wanted me to get it because we knew I would be safer if I came into contact with someone that was COVID positive. On the softball team, we’re washing hands before and after practices and I keep sanitizer in my backpack,” said  8th-grader Tillie Olgesbee. 

With a positive attitude and Christian mindset, CA is focused on providing quality education and a safe environment for all students.