The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unique outdoor settings for high school wrestling matches in New Jersey.
According to TAPinto New Brunswick, warm weather and concern for athlete safety caused New Brunswick High School to move its wrestling mats outside last week for a dual meet against Elizabeth.
The March 23 dual was an attempt to create a safer environment in a year that has seen all sports severely impacted by the pandemic, according to New Brunswick athletic director Thomas Stead.
New Brunswick isn’t alone. NJ.com reported last week that Washington Township and Ramsey had also hosted outdoor meets, with many more schools expected to follow.
Typically a winter sport, New Jersey’s weather wouldn’t normally allow for wrestling to be held outdoors. But with the pandemic pushing the start of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association wrestling season back to March 16, there should be a number of days to hold outdoor competition between now and April 25, when the season is scheduled to end.
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