Governor Cuomo ok's High Contact Sports, ... that is if local health commissioners are on board.

Archbishop Stepinac Football Head Coach Michael O'Donnell has been pleading with his athletes and their parents to write to local politicians about letting high schools resume to play. He even created many photos to influence people to do this.

In the Fall, sports like soccer, baseball, and cross country had competitions. However, tackle football was put on hold, and they had a Seven on Seven season.

Ryan Caserta is a Senior Offensive Lineman, whose father, Tony, has been involved in his son's sports, especially now, trying to get the kids back on the field. The elder Caserta wrote to to State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and was happy with the response.

The Archbishop Stepinac Football Coach's wish was somewhat granted today. However, for schools in Westchester like Stepinac, they now must get permission from Dr. Sherlita Amler, the County Health Commissioner.

Dr. Amler, who received her medical degree from the University of Arkansas, was Putnam County Health Commissioner from 2004 to 2011, and has been commissioner of Westchester since 2011. When interviewed by LoHud said that she was less committed to the idea of letting HS sports play.

"We would really need to look at the situation because there have been some issues with spread at afterschool sports events," said the Health Commissioner to LoHUd. "I need to look at the latest statistics and I'm not in a position to do that now."

Dr. Amler would also need to consult with County Executive George Latimer. Latimer has been praised for his dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stepinac Defensive Coordinator Jon DeMarco has high praise of the county executive, since he visit's the coach's restaurant, The Rye Roadhouse. He describes the head of Westchester as "fantastic", and is hopeful his good relationship with Mr. Latimer, will spur the executive to go forward with sports.

"He is very open and honest with us and very supportive of local businesses," said DeMarco.

Coaches like DeMarco and O'Donnell have been very supportive of local businesses and are always persuading others to persuade local businesses any time they can.

Unlike Westchester, nearby Nassau County's County Executive Laura Curran, has been more full go with the return. The Canadian-born Curran, coincidentally, obtained a Liberal Arts degree from Bronxville's Sarah Lawrence College.

“As per today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo, I've directed the Nassau County Health Department to work with school districts to safely resume school sports according to NYS guidance," Curran said in a statement. "As Nassau County Executive, I’ve continued to advocate for the safe resumption of organized sports, as well as for keeping our businesses and schools open. For many, school sports are a path to promising academic and career opportunities. I’m excited to get our kids back on the fields, courts, and ice rinks they love so much. Let’s play ball!," said Curran in a statement.

Curran will team up with County Health Commissioner Robert Eisenstein to bring back the games safely.

Laura Curran, Nassau County Executive, stands in front of a backdrop with American Flags. On Friday January 22, 2021, Governor Cuomo gave the green light for high risk sports to return, as long as local health authorities comply.

Iona Prep Football Head Coach Joe Spagnolo says he is "cautiously optimistic."

It would really bring a lot of joy back to the community, for people of all ages.

"They gotta let us play," said Coach Gene Johnson, a Stepinac defensive assistant.

"I loved it," said another Stepinac defensive assistant, Coach Jamel Richardson. "I'm excited."

"We will wait for official ruling from the Department of Health and League," said Stepinac Head Varsity Basketball Coach Patrick Massaroni. "Today was a good day."

Until then, we can all just wait and hope for the return of sports in Westchester.