What if things get worse after getting better?

Arkansas is entering Phase 2 of reopening from COVID19, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Wednesday. Texas had already entered into Phase 3 of its plan to reopen the state, and by most accounts the plans are at similar guidelines, for the most part.

Temperatures continue to rise, which should help lower the numbers of COVID-19 cases. However, those also have risen, albeit that incline has been attributed to more tests being conducted.

I pose a hypothetical, yet, plausible scenario as we continue to wade through uncharted waters with the ongoing pandemic. What if things get better, only to then worsen?

As a sports fan, I am ready – although cautious – to get back to covering live sports. Local high schools started their summer workouts this week, and it was exciting to hear coaches talk about seeing their kids face to face once again.

Are we prepared for a badcase scenario?

Professional and college teams have discussed the idea of playing in empty gyms and stadiums. Most of us only see pro and college games on TV anyway, so that won’t be the worst thing possible.

What if that idea trickles down to the University Interscholastic League and Arkansas Activities Association, should things worsen with the coronavirus between now and mid-August?

It was a travesty when high school soccer, basketball state finals, track and field, golf, tennis, softball and baseball seasons were washed away this spring. We don’t want that to repeat itself going into a new school year.

So how would you feel about Friday Night Football being played with no fans in the stands? Or volleyball? Or on into the winter and basketball season?

Obviously, this is just a hypothetical. One, from time to time, I wish I had not thought of myself. But the reality is that it’s not beyond the realm of possibilities.

Let’s hope the summer heat wipes out this possibility. Let’s hope we have seen the last of major changes to high school sports due to COVID-19. Let’s hope we get back to normal when schools come back from summer break. Let’s hope.