HS spring sports to finally begin

After missing out on the entire 2020 campaign and the first two-to-three weeks of 2021, Ely’s high school spring sports teams are finally free to practice and play.
Monday, Apr. 12, marks the start of practice for several Ely Timberwolves teams.
A three-week reset at the school sent students into distance learning and put activities on hold, keeping the Wolves’ teams on the sidelines while their counterparts from around the region and state have been able to participate.
Most spring activities began March 29 while others started workouts the week before, putting Ely’s teams behind in early-season preparation.
COVID-19 also doused last year’s spring seasons for all teams across the state.
The delays in Ely have prompted numerous changes to various spring sports schedules, with games set for the week of Apr. 5 postponed first, followed by contests set for the week of Apr. 12 and later early-week contests the week of Apr. 19.
First games or contests are now set as follows:
• Baseball, Thursday Apr. 22, home game with Deer River;
• Softball, Thursday Apr. 22, home game with Chisholm;
• Boys and Girls Track, Thursday, Apr. 22, at Mesabi East;
• Boys and Girls Golf, to be determined.
Ely closed to in-person learning just as spring sports teams were to begin registration, but some teams have gone to alternative means, with track sign-up being conducted remotely and other coaches reaching out through the school announcements.
Any student may also sign up once school begins or by contacting athletic director Tom Coombe at Tcoombe@ely.k12.mn.us.