When Covid-19 canceled all of the Midwest Youth Rugby (MYR) competitions for spring and summer 2020, the organization immediately began planning for the day when rugby could reactivate. Maintaining a state of readiness has meant creating, adjusting and even canceling plans with the pandemic, but MYR has kept its constituency regularly updated.
MYR announced dates for the 2021 boys’ and girls’ high school championships back in July 2020. On January 9, MYR Director Bob Cronquist indicated that both tournaments will now condense to one-day events instead. The Moose Rugby Grounds in Elkhart, Ind., will host the girls’ championship on April 24, and boys on May 1. All teams will play two games total, and it’s likely that co-champions will be named per division.
The regional championships have traditionally been Saturday-Sunday events and attract the top high school and high school club teams from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. A one-day tournament will limit exposure to the virus.
“Masks will be mandated for all in attendance,” Cronquist e-mailed impacted parties. “If you are not on the pitch, you will need to have a mask on your face. We will encourage social distancing by having each team and fans on opposite sides of the pitch.”
Additionally, MYR plans to hold the Midwest High School All-Star Challenge on June 19, also in Elkhart.
Teams interested in the Midwest Boys or Girls High School Championship need to register by April 1, and MYR will make a final determination on the status of the tournaments based on interest at that time. Registration details and more information can be found at www.mwyouthrugby.com.
Have more questions? Then contact Cronquist at mwyouthrugby@gmail.com.