The Southern Standard recently interviewed Director of Schools Grant Swallows about the recent Executive Order No. 70 from the governor that the TSSAA endorsed. Swallows serves on the TSSAA Board of Control, which is the executive governing body of the TSSAA.

SOUTHERN STANDARD: What is your reaction to the TSSAA’s response to the Governor’s Executive Order No. 70? Did you have any input to the TSSAA response? Does it validate your decision to suspend athletics?

GRANT SWALLOWS: I can’t say that I was surprised that the crowd size was limited There was a rumor floating around a month ago that the TSSAA was going to shut down all sports after football was over. That was completely false.

The rising number of cases has had everyone concerned for a while, and this decision was a byproduct of that concern. The Board of Control did not have input but that’s why the Executive Director and his staff are in place. They worked very closely with the Governor’s Office to come to this decision in the best interest of our entire state. Just like anything right now, there are positives and negatives.  

I am glad to see that basketball will be able to play but disappointed to have to limit the crowd and participation by the cheerleaders and dance team. I am a believer that education-based athletics is about the kids and their opportunity to learn through competition. That includes all of our students.  

With that said, this is a very difficult time in our state and tough decisions are having to be made. I did decide to suspend all athletics for two weeks in hopes that we can return for the greater portion of the season in January and February. Sometimes you have to give up something in order to gain something. I wouldn’t say that the governor’s order validates that decision, but it underscores the importance of us doing all we can to protect our community from the virus spread.  

SS: Do you have any intentions of allowing practices before Jan. 4?

SWALLOWS: No

SS: Do you think the chances of practices starting on Jan. 4 are greater than 50%?

SWALLOWS: I do. I believe that our kids and coaches understand the importance of doing what’s necessary right now. I just hope that the rest of us can follow their example. School and extracurricular activities are vital to a child’s education and experience. We must do whatever we can to make sure our county is in a place where we can continue to offer those things to our kids. I’m the one that has to make that call but it is up to all of us to provide the way.

SS: Probability of games taking place on Jan. 5?

SWALLOWS: One thing that I’ve learned, I will not predict much of anything ahead of a day or so. I believe the probability is directly proportional to what our county, and in turn what our schools’ health status is after the New Year.

SS: Any comments in general about other teams in the district continuing to play games as Warren County sits idle?

SWALLOWS: No one is a bigger fan of sports than I am. I believe that some of the greatest lessons are taught through practice and competition. I did not and will never take lightly the decision to limit the activity of our teams. It was made in what I think is in the best interest of our student-athletes and our community during a particularly dangerous time in our county. I assume the other schools in our district are in a different situation, and that is why they continue to play.  

SS: Do you think all teams should be idle until January?

SWALLOWS: I’m glad we aren’t using a one-size-fits-all approach so that schools can do what is best for them. I am trying to use that approach even in our county. If a school system has low numbers and can continue to play, then I support their desire to do so. I am looking forward to the time where we are in that same place.