Centennial High School’s sports programs have been highly affected since the COVID-19 pandemic began last spring.

One of a few changes within our school is Terrance Schloth replacing our previous athletic director Brent Child this year.  This change is in part due to budget issues, but in the end it is all somewhat tied together.

 “My biggest plan so far is preparing for the safe return of our athletic programs, in addition to navigating all the changes to our sports seasons.  As you know we have to navigate many restrictions and protocols for the safe return during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The OSAA has pushed all of our sports programs back and winter sports will start December 28th if all goes well and we are approved to do so.  Fall sports have been moved to the early spring prior to our traditional spring sports programs. This has created a lot of discussion about scheduling all three seasons and we are still working out the details,” said Schloth. 

Child said that he will no longer be the athletic director, and will go back to teaching health and physical education. “…the district made the decision to cut the position” which was considered a TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment).    “So, after five years as the AD, they reassigned me back to what I did for 24 years prior, which is teaching Health and Physical Education,” said Child.

Child said the AD position had many parts to it, “but if you really want to know what I enjoyed most about the job, well, that’s easy: the relationships that I got to build with our student-athletes and coaches.  Education is all about building relationships. In my opinion, whether it’s being the director of athletics, or teaching high school students in a classroom setting, the key is working hard to forge positive relationships with all involved.  Sitting in my office talking shop with our coaches, or having a discussion about academics or sports competition with many of our student-athletes was at the top of the list for me.”

Child is currently teaching two PE 1 classes and two Recreational Activity classes. “It’s a challenge teaching PE from behind a computer monitor, but we’re getting it done,” he said.   “The students have been great so far.  I’m very passionate about Health and Fitness, so I hope my passion translates into quality workouts for the students.  Whether the students are doing planks from their bedroom, push-ups from their living room, or air squats from their garage, they have done everything that I’ve asked of them thus far.”

Unlike Child, Schloth is not a TOSA, but is a licensed administrator.   “As far as duties, I am no longer supervising the World Language and Fine Arts departments,” he said.   “In addition, I am transitioning out of my responsibilities for student discipline.”  

So will there even be sports this year?  

The OSAA stated, “All Member Schools must follow all directives from the Governor’s Office, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Education, and the OSAA related to COVID‐19. When scheduling contests local/regional competition should be the priority, including consideration of cross‐ classification play when appropriate. Event hosts must follow OHA guidance for large group gatherings, including the number of teams, participants, and spectators. This will impact planning for jamborees, tournaments, invitationals, and multi‐school events.”  You can find more information on http://www.osaa.org/docs/osaainfo/OSAA_Media_Release_August_5.pdf.