Brush set to return; practice starts on Aug. 8

A recommendation from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health for schools to begin the school year with remote learning and to cancel athletics prompted the South Euclid-Lyndhurst school district to suspend athletics on July 31.

The Ohio Department of Health order that followed Aug. 1, stating training, workouts and practices for all sports may resume, led the district to reverse course alongside other Cuyahoga County schools.

In turn, Brush coach Eddie Hall and the Arcs will begin their fall practice schedule Aug. 8.

“They’re excited to get back and get going,” Hall said. “I think most coaches have been talking to their kids about controlling what we can control. I think that is a football cliche, we talk about it all the time, I had coaches talk about it. It just seems like this year exemplifies. We can’t control any of those things. Just come and go to work.”

A day after the county’s recommendation, SEL superintendent Dr. Linda Reid wrote on the district’s website that the announcement would lead to adjustments in re-opening plans. The administration continued to evaluate its options for extracurricular activities after the ODH order’s release.

Hall said the rest of the

Arcs’ fall programs will also begin practice later this week.

“I’ll be honest, our administration has been incredibly supportive of us,” Hall said. “I have zero complaints with that. They’ve focused on kids’ health, also. I would say the conversations have been upbeat and we’re going to do what’s best and what’s safe but if there’s any way to get you guys out doing things on the field, we’re going to do that. They understand how important it is for children and their mental health, just their well-being to be honest with you.”

Brush’s football program comes off an 0-10 season. The Arcs return starting quarterback AJ Shorts and Antwone Woolfolk, a 6-foot-8 junior tight end, has already received attention from the college level.

Brush practiced throughout the spring and Hall credited the district for helping its athletic programs acquire thermometers, hand sanitizer and other materials necessary to comply with state guidelines. He looks forward to seeing his team back together and for the district’s student-athletes to return to practices.

“I think it’s incredibly important,” Hall said. “It’s not just football. It’s the sense of belonging to whatever sport it is, the sense of working toward something, having a mentor to help guide you toward a goal but then also helping you in life.”