HILLIARD, Ohio — Head Football Coach John Santagata isn’t sure if his Hilliard Darby Panthers will be able to ring the victory bell this season.

What You Need To Know

  • Reynoldsburg and Hilliard City School Districts announced postponement of extracurricular activities

  • OHSAA set Sept. 4 as date to make decision about fall seasons

  • Many heard the news from social media

“We don’t exactly know and that’s the frustration because a lot of it depends on where is Franklin County what color are we red,” said Santagata.

The Hilliard City School District made the announcement Wednesday to suspend all extracurricular activities—just three days before football practices were about to ramp up.

“We were moving toward hopefully getting into phase three before the first two a days which was August first," said Santagata. 

The team has been in phase two, which under the national federation of high school sports guidelines permits up to 50 athletes to gather outside for workouts. But Santagata said these restrictions are not the only thing that's different this year.

“COVID has impacted our numbers a little bit; there were a few families and kids that decided not to come out during the COVID situation.”

A situation that’s not only discouraging kids from playing this season, but also to the players still on the team.

"They’re probably, and the families, are probably struggling the most because they have the least amount of information. And they’re just out there they hear that practice is suspended and they don’t know why or what that may mean."

Kole Kendall is a senior on the football team. He said he heard the news about his season on social media.

“I was sitting at home just like scrolling through Twitter, and then I noticed Hilliard Schools had posted something about how they’re suspending extracurriculars and sports and everything. And I was kind of shocked because we usually get a text from coach,” said Kendall.

In the case the season does get canceled, Kendall said he’s worried about recruiting.

“Senior year is kind of that year you get looked at the most by colleges it’s your year to shine. Junior year you probably played some varsity you’re just getting that experience. Senior year you have all the things you need to be successful.”

And while Hilliard Darby high school’s season is on hold, teams around the state are still moving forward.

“I think there’s always disparities in high school sports an example would be when one school goes back to full time classes a week before their first week opponent and maybe they’re still in two-a-days, so there’s always going to be some form of disparity—in this situation, that disparity may be extreme,” said Santagata.

But, during a time with so much uncertainty, Santagata said he's standing behind the District’s administration.

“The directives are coming from the governor's office and the health department and their hands are tied and they’re as frustrated as the parents are they’re as frustrated as the coaches are and they’re as frustrated as the players are and it’s very unfortunate.”