HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Some Maryland counties are allowing interscholastic athletic competitions to resume for students.
On Tuesday, Washington County Public Schools teams competed against one another in soccer, volleyball, and cross-country.
Last month, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced the state's school districts could start their fall sports seasons when they felt it was appropriate to do so.
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While, many Maryland counties are holding scrimmages and practices, Washington County Public Schools officials said their district, Garrett County, and Allegany County are the first to hold interscholastic competitions in the state.
Washington County Schools' decision to resume play came after the school district evaluated the county's COVID case numbers.
At a boys soccer varsity game between North Hagerstown and Williamsport Tuesday, fans were treated to assigned seating in a stadium with a reduced occupancy. They also heard frequent reminders on the stadium's speaker system to stay socially distant from people they do not know.
"I'm pretty confident they made all the necessary precautions," said father Haroon Fazal.
Fazal, watched his son, Nathan, a junior on North Hagerstown's team, play on the field.
Nathan Fazal he was happy to compete against another school again.
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"It's honestly such a privilege right now to be playing matches," he said. "And, you're able to practice and use that practice in a game."
Williamsport High School Boys Soccer Coach Chris Downs said it was great to see students athletes play again as well.
"Right now, the benefit is getting to see these kids out here and active and feeling like they're a part of something again," he said.