Governor Mike Dewine Allows Ohio High School Football To Start

Ohio high school football can officially start the 2020 season, Governor Mike Dewine announced today. In a state that was already facing a fall without an Ohio State Buckeyes this announcement is obviously huge news. Dewine has ordered that the only spectators allowed in with be family or close associates, according to WTOL’s Jordan Strack, who reports band members and cheerleaders could be on the official guest list at high school games.

The schools will be left to make the decision on who attends the game, according to Eleven Warriors reporter Dan Hope. Today’s order will be extended to all athletes participating in fall sports. “Sports are about a lot of things but they are about hope. Hope itself is not a plan. We ask those who are making the decision to play … we wish you every success in the world … in keeping COVID away. Look at our plan and try to do the best you can to execute it,” Dewine said during his press conference.

On the college side, Ohio State parents continue to put pressure on the Big Ten. Randy Wade, the father of star Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade, will be in Chicago Friday to demand transparency.

OFFICIAL: Governor Mike Dewine says fall sports, including football, are allowed to start.

— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) August 18, 2020

Governor Dewine: No spectators other than family or people close to the athletes.

Band/cheerleading & their parents seem to be allowed to come to games as well.

— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) August 18, 2020

DeWine:
"This order simply allows sports to move forward.” https://t.co/NuO0Oglkve

— Mark Monroe (@MonroeBlade) August 18, 2020