The AHSAA announced on Thursday afternoon that member schools could re-open on June 1. The is a change from the previous announcement of re-opening on June 8.

The date change is following Alabama State Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Eric Massey’s directive announced earlier in the day on Thursday.

According to the AHSAA website, Executive Director Steve Savarese said that the announcement was welcome news for the AHSAA and its member schools.

“The AHSAA, its Central Board of Control, along with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), has updated its guidelines regarding summer activities,” Savarese said. “The most significant change is our schools may re-open on June 1, a week earlier than the June 8 date previously discussed. We are happy to have a definite time for our coaches and student-athletes to return to their schools, where they can continue to experience valuable educational lessons through athletics.”

Local high schools will hit the ground running the week of June 1st with athletic activities.

“We need to get acclimated to training again,” said Hartselle football coach Bryan Moore. “We need every second to prepare our athletes to get them in the best possible shape. Being strong and in shape is a safety requirement for football. We have to be able to protect ourselves. An extra week will be crucial for us.”

According to coach Moore, the Tigers will begin their summer activities on Monday, June 1, at 6 am.

“Anytime you get the opportunity to work out with your players is a positive,” said Falkville football coach Tyler Mitchell.

The Blue Devils will have a team meeting on June 1 and begin team workouts on June 2.