Photo courtesy of Michelle Gilbert|www.maxpreps.com Fredonia’s David Ball and the rest of the Section VI wrestlers in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties will be competing next month.

The Executive Committee of Section VI announced Wednesday that it would support wrestling activities, beginning on the previously approved start date of May 3 in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Niagara and Orleans counties.

Earlier this month, however, the Erie County Department of Health confirmed that it has not changed from its original recommendation in January to postpone or cancel wrestling activities. Therefore, according to the announcement, member schools located in Erie County will not be able to participate in wrestling activities at this time.

“The expectations are clear from our school leaders. Our school districts cannot take on the liability associated with splitting off from the ECDOH’s recommendation,” said Section VI president, Brett Banker. “As we have done since the start of this public health crisis, we will continue to rely upon the expertise, knowledge and recommendations from local and state authorities when making decisions impacting the safety of our student-athletes.”

The section will continue to communicate and work with the ECDOH. It is through collaboration that, to date, the Section has only canceled one sport this school year, indoor track and field.

“Section VI has proven that we are committed to providing opportunities for our athletes within the guidelines set forth to us by the local health departments,” Banker said. “We will support the Erie County schools to begin wrestling immediately, if the recommendation from Erie County changes. We look forward to engaging in that dialogue.”