Swine Flu and High School Sports

The University Interscholastic League announced Wednesday that all state high school academic and sports events will be postponed until May 11 due to the breakout of the swine flu. This move came at a very busy time for high school athletics. Four regional track meets were scheduled around the state this week and softball, baseball, golf, and tennis are getting close to the end of their seasons. UIL officials said their decision to postpone was recommended by The Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Education Agency. I don't so much like the idea of rescheduling over 1300 events which involve public high schools. The UIL's decision goes along with the shutdown of all the New Braunfels and Comal schools. I can understand shutting down sporting events in the areas where the swine flu has been reported but it seems a little overboard to shut down every statewide sporting event. UIL executive director Charles Breithraupt said "The health and safety of our student activity participants is of the upmost importance." This comment makes sense but it sounds a little weak. If we start changing our daily routines because we are scared of catching the swine flu, the disease has already beat us. I say "play ball."