A ME SSAGE FROM
Dr. Wright D
eputy University Interscholastic League Director Dr. Jamey Harrison and his staff have done a tremendous job of helping with the continuation of the UIL programs for fine arts, academics, and athletics this year. In the summer of 2020, UIL personnel began working with the coaches and band directors to find a way to have a UIL season for the students. The 2020 school year ended with a canceled state boys’ basketball tournament and canceled seasons for softball, baseball, track and field, one-act play, academic meet, tennis, and golf. Early in the summer, the UIL provided protocols that would allow the teams to have a season and compete. Protocols included COVID-19 screenings, hand sanitizer, masks when not actively moving, and wiping of equipment frequently. Class 4A football was allowed to begin at the scheduled time, but 5A and 6A were delayed four weeks. Argyle ISD Athletic Director Todd Rodgers and the other coaches embraced the UIL protocols and worked diligently to follow all rules in order to have a season. Football, volleyball, team tennis, and cross country were all competing in the fall of 2020. Football forged ahead and through 16 games came to a 16-0 record. At AT&T Stadium in Arlington on December 18, the Argyle Eagles won a state championship
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• Argyle Insights • Spring 2021
in 4A Division I. This would have been a very exciting accomplishment for the Eagles under any circumstances, but with the continuing struggle with minimizing positive cases and quarantines, it was particularly monumental. This was the Eagles’ second state championship and sixth trip to state. The games were played with 50% capacity during the season and playoffs; at AT&T the capacity was limited to 17,000 fans. Band faced the same challenges in the summer that athletics did, maintaining a safe and healthy practice environment. Band members had to cover their instruments, wear masks when not playing their instrument, and socially distance for practice. Many practices were held outside. Band competes at region, area, and then state. This year, the preliminaries and drum major retreats were eliminated from the competitions for safety. The Eagle band worked hard to protect the group by performing on Thursday nights and not traveling to out of town games. After winning first at area, the band competed at state and won the coveted first place and a gold medal. This was the band’s 10th trip to state and seventh first place honor. Cheer was able to perform at the UIL State Spirit competition and won second place and a medal. This was an outstanding performance.
This year, UIL personnel are committed to seeing that there will be a spring season of UIL activities. One-act play competition will occur, and currently, the plan is to require masks on stage. Basketball state tournament and soccer will be a finals-only format. Region 1 and 2 will play each other. Regions 3 and 4 will play each other, too. Track and field, baseball, softball, wrestling, golf, and tennis will all have seasons. Academic UIL will compete with some local District Executive Committee discretion. There are choices for virtual, face-to-face, and in person with smaller groups or pairings as local options. Against the odds through challenging times, the Eagles are thriving! These UIL activities are so very important to our students and families. Dr. Telena Wright Argyle ISD Superintendent
