Before actual physical exercises, Santa Fe student-athletes spent a week being educated on the daily process for checking into the summer workout sessions, the process for entering and exiting the school’s facilities, social distancing, the symptoms of COVID-19 and preventative measures.

Last week, the Cougars and Lady Cougars learned how to jump-start a dead car battery. This Wednesday, it was a lesson on how to change a flat tire. Eventually, they’ll learn how to budget their personal expenses.

Last week, the hustle and bustle of sports returned with summer workouts beginning, and student-athletes didn’t mind one bit that the exercises were being conducted under strict social distancing measures

Challenges posed by the coronavirus-related restrictions have certainly been noticed, but Texas City was happy to see its student-athletes in person once again after being apart for more than three months.

Effective immediately, a mandated 20-to-1 student-to-staff ratio will be lifted. Beginning June 22, capacity for indoor workouts will be increased from 25 percent to 50 percent, and maximum allowable group sizes will increase from 15 to 25 for outdoor sport-specific skills training and from 10 to 15 for indoor sport-specific skill training.

New Ball High head football coach Sheldon Bennight waited 25 years for his first head football coaching opportunity, and while this may not be how he envisioned it would start, he said he’s embracing the challenge.

Local high school coaches have spent nearly two weeks developing a game plan of a different kind — how to safely run voluntary summer workout programs during a pandemic.

Among the numerous Galveston County high school athletes who saw their seasons cut short because of the coronavirus pandemic were two Santa Fe powerlifters who were looking forward to competing for a state championship.

The O'Connell Buccaneers and Lady Buccaneers were well represented in postseason basketball award listings, including a pair of all-state honorees.

With schools closed until at least May 4 because of coronavirus concerns, Galveston County coaches are turning to teleconferencing apps to continue coaching their student-athletes.

Four superlatives highlighted the La Marque Cougars' haul in the District 24-4A postseason awards.

Teammates from the state semifinalist Dickinson Gators earning co-most valuable player honors highlighted the District 24-6A boys basketball postseason awards.

Two Friendswood players earned superlatives, and a Texas City player earned another to headline the Galveston County contingent in the 22-5A all-district boys basketball awards.

With officials stressing the importance of social distancing, athletic programs getting messages out to student-athletes is requiring some creativity. That’s where social media has been utilized.

With the UIL on Thursday announcing games for high school sports would not resume until May 4, Galveston County athletic directors and coaches were left with some hope of finishing their seasons while being pushed to the brink of outright cancellations.

As the UIL on Monday extended its suspension of all sanctioned contests to practices and workouts, Galveston County high school coaches and athletic trainers maintained a positive outlook while encouraging their student-athletes to work on their own to stay in shape during the ongoing break in activities.

Galveston County high school sports teams are going to have to figure out a way to make up for at least two missed weeks of scheduled district games.