The Jim Thorpe football team postponed all summer workout practice sessions, made effective July 21, after a player tested positive for the coronavirus.

John Rushefski, superintendent of schools, issued a statement to the school community stating that one player was confirmed positive and another may have had incidental or “walk by” contact.

“In consultation with the Department of Health, the Lehigh Valley Health Network, and our Jim Thorpe District Pandemic Response Team, summer workouts were canceled for 14 days,” said Rushefski.

Athletic Director Dustin McAndrew explained that the players are properly screened every day before they begin practice. Temperatures are taken, and a five-question survey is completed involving possible symptoms and possible contacts with anyone who tested positive.

No other sports at Jim Thorpe were affected by the decision as they continue having ongoing practices.

Rushefski added that the district follows the DOH guidelines and strives to take extra precautions for the safety of the students and athletes.

“Football practice is expected to resume on Tuesday, Aug. 4, after the quarantine period of time has been completed,” said Rushefski.

In regards to the possible infection of the second player, Rushefski gave the example of walking by someone at Home Depot who may or may not know he’s COVID-19 positive.

“There was no actual direct contact between the two players,” he said.

McAndrew, like other area ADs, is awaiting Gov. Wolf’s call to the PIAA as to whether or not there will be a fall sports season. As of now, the rules for congregating are 25 people indoors and 250 people outdoors.

“Having no fans attend is being talked about at the higher levels,” said McAndrew. “On the sidelines, we will be enforcing social distancing with the players and coaches. Some of the larger schools with big rosters may have to pare down and have a game team and a practice team so the guidelines can be followed.”

Thorpe football coach Mark Rosenberger commented on the possibility of his team playing in front of empty bleachers.

“I’m hoping that at least one parent of each player will be allowed to attend the games,” he said. “We should be able to get under the 250 people limit.”

Jim Thorpe is scheduled to open its season against Blue Mountain on Aug. 28.