Relief mixes with vigilance as state eases mask rules for outdoor youth games, practices

Apr 23, 20210

Cheryl A. Myers, SportsEngine count

Prior Lake's Cooper Busch (2) works his way out of traffic in the first quarter. Busch was one of eight Lakers to score in a 9-6 win over Prior Lake on Thursday night.

Wearing masks while playing youth sports, controversial from the moment it became required in January, officially ended Thursday for athletes competing or practicing outside in Minnesota.

The underlying reason that brought it about hasn't gone anywhere, though.

"It doesn't feel like we should be celebrating, because my JV game got canceled because of a positive case on the other team,'' Prior Lake boys' lacrosse coach Casey Mithun said. "I don't know how that gets better if now we're not wearing masks."

https://www.startribune.com/relief-mixes-with-vigilance-as-state-eases-mask-rules-for-outdoor-youth-games-practices/600049138/