Area high school sports teams, and those teams traveling to compete on the Kenai Peninsula, are on watch with the effects of fires on the Kenai Peninsula and in Mat-Su causing increased concern for both practices and competitions.
At this point, all practices and scheduled games are still on, with each individual school making determinations based on conditions in specific areas.
Areas of concern:
30th Annual Tsalteshi XC Invitational
The Tsalteshi Invitational, traditionally one of the largest cross country running meets of the season, is scheduled for Saturday, August 24th at Skyview Middle School.
Soldotna High School has issued a pair of health announcements to participating teams:
From SoHi school nurse Carol Asp to all schools attending the XC meet:
Due to the poor air quality conditions currently affecting our area, it is important to make sure we are prepared. Please make sure that all students have the necessary paperwork needed in order for them to be treated for emergencies. Any student with known respiratory issues, such as Asthma, allergies, or any other respiratory ailments that they come prepared with their inhalers, Epi Pens and such. If you have any questions, schools can contact their local school nurses in order to help them prepare.
From Kyle McFall, Athletic Director on air quality:
Due to the Swan Lake fire, we are monitoring the air quality in the Soldotna area. This morning, it is sitting at 92 AQI (or moderate air quality level). The plan is to run the meet as scheduled. However, if the AQI gets above 100, we will need to consider canceling the meet. We will be meeting throughout the week and will send out an email Thursday with information regarding the status of the race.
Also, if you are traveling to the Kenai Peninsula via the Sterling Highway, please monitor the status of the road. At present, it is closed due to fire activity. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Football Week Two
Football moves into week two of the regular season with Soldotna, Nikiski and Kenai all scheduled at face teams from the Fairbanks area.
At this point (Wednesday, August 21), all teams are anticipating being able to compete and travel. Road closures on both the Sterling Highway and the Parks Highway will play a role in teams ability to reach their venues. Smoke and air quality may also dictate whether there will be contests this weekend.
The Soldotna Stars play West Valley on Friday, August 23 at West Valley High in Fairbanks. The Stars itinerary lists SoHi leaving on Thursday morning for Fairbanks.
The Nikiski Bulldogs are playing Saturday in Fairbanks against Monroe Catholic.
The Kenai Kardinals host Eielson, from Fairbanks, at KCHS on Saturday.
Travel to and from Fairbanks via the Parks Highway through the McKinley Fire-Willow areas has been difficult.
Updates on the effects of air quality, smoke, road closures and travel on the upcoming sports schedules will be post (when available ) at www.radiokenai.com.
