The Siuslaw Vikings football team has received some bad news — exposure to Covid-19 — and some good — a high preseason ranking by an online media source.

"All football activities are suspended until further notice," Siuslaw athletic director Chris Johnson said Monday.

"We are working with Lane County Public Health on a plan."

So far only the football team — ranked No. 2 in a top 10 released Monday by MidMajorMedia.com — has been impacted.

"All scheduled practices and contests in sports other than football are a go at this time," Johnson said.

All football team activities were suspended Sunday by the Siuslaw School District.

"All football players should begin a general isolation period until directed otherwise," according to a district memo.

"Any football athletes experiencing primary symptoms of Covid-19 should consult with their medical providers regarding care and treatment."

Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak announced the immediate steps the school district will take in a letter to staff and families.

"Each situation calls for different protocols," the letter noted. "In this case, the district will follow the following steps.

"1. The coaching staff has made electronic notification to all athletes and their families related to the exposure.

"2. Any athlete that begins to show primary signs of Covid-19 infection — fever of 100.4 or greater, chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing — should seek medical attention.

"3. All football activities are suspended until further notice; and due to the close contact nature of the sport the general isolation of all athletes is recommended until directed by Lane County Public Health officials."

All unvaccinated individuals associated with the program face a 14-day quarantine. The letter did not report how many unvaccinated individuals are with the program.

Siuslaw is scheduled to open its season in 11 days — Friday, Sept. 3, at home against South Umpqua.

Four schools in Mid-Major Media's Top 10 are on Siuslaw's schedule — No. 3 Santiam Christian, No. 6 Junction City, No. 9 South Umpqua and No. 10 La Pine.

MID-MAJOR MEDIA
PRESEASON 3A TOP 10

  1. Cascade Christian (defending 3A champion)
  2. Siuslaw
  3. Santiam Christian
  4. Amity
  5. Rainier
  6. Junction City
  7. Warrenton
  8. Vale
  9. South Umpqua (opens season Sept. 3 at Siuslaw)
10. Tie, Dayton and La Pine