“We went through our protocols,” Domsitz said Tuesday. “I don’t coach a position, so I’m not in front of the kids for any extended period of time. I’m almost always masked. Even after the game, my talk was less than two minutes. In any case, it looks like the kids are still going to be able to play, which is good. They’re planning for that. They’ll be at practice today and tomorrow and will wrap things up on Thursday."
Alter Principal Lourdes Lambert said the school reviewed everything Domsitz did Friday when he was at school and with the team and found he was not within six feet of anybody for a cumulative time of 15 minutes. Domsitz did not have contact with anyone Saturday or Sunday.
Alter Athletic Director Christina Hart said the situation is not that unusual, pointing out college games that have gone on after positive COVID-19 tests by the coach. She said Domsitz has coached differently this year because of the pandemic. He’s more hands off at practice. He sometimes rides around in his golf cart to maintain social distance.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association has sent COVID-19 observers to almost all of Alter’s games, Lambert said, and the school received praise for its use of social-distancing on Friday.
“As far as the classroom here, our desks are six feet apart,” Lamber said. “(Domsitz) has plexiglass where he teaches and diligently wears his mask. We all have a common goal in this building of staying open for as long as we can.”
Alter beat Hamilton Ross 35-21 in the regional final on Friday. Domsitz started feeling sick on Sunday and noticed he had a temperature so he did not attend the team meeting at the high school that day. He was tested Sunday night and received the result Monday. He said he’s dealing with a fever as well as fatigue and shortness of breath.
“The kids know,” Domsitz said. “The families know. We had a conference call and came to the conclusion that no one is in immediate jeopardy. I can’t speak for the administration other than to say considering the lack of contact the chances are pretty slim there would be any transmission.”
Defensive coordinator Tom Alig will fill in for Domsitz as head coach on Friday. Tom Meyer will take over as offensive coordinator and call the plays, which Domsitz does when he’s on the sideline.
“We wanted these kids to be able to play in this game,” Domsitz said. “We feel it’s very safe based on the lack of close contact I’ve had with them. That was looked at pretty closely by everybody. Right now, the coaching staff, the players, everybody is healthy. We’re going to hope and pray that continues.”
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