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The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) schools can start summer workouts for its sports programs on Monday.

The AHSAA, its Central Board of Control, and the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) made the decision last week.

“We are elated to have a definite date for our coaches and student-athletes to return to their schools where they can continue to experience valuable educational lessons through athletics,” AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said.

Athletic Directors and coaches in Dallas County are overjoyed to have summer workouts.

“We are very excited, I know the kids like myself are ready to get back into the weight room and get to work,” Dallas County High School Athletic Director and football coach Heath LeVert said.

Keith High School Athletic Director and basketball coach Clifton Reeves said he sees both sides of the workout regime amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My feelings are mixed at this moment,” Reeves said. “I’m excited that I can get some of my guys in the gym, but I can’t dismiss the issue of health and safety. I have talked to some of my guys and they are ready to start working out, but I have to look at this from every angle and come up with the best solution for my players and coaches. With that being said, I am looking forward to working out with  my guys.”

Southside High football coach Charles Moody said the coaches and athletes can’t survive in the coronavirus without cooperation from their families and fanbases.

“I am very ecstatic that we are moving towards a state of normalcy, but there will have to be a total effort to make this work,” Moody said. “We will need parents, athletes, coaches, and the community on the same page to make this a success. We will put an action plan in place to secure our children’s safety, but part of the plan takes place at home. With everyone together, we can make this a success.”

Selma High football coach Willie Gandy said the AHSAA provided strong guidelines to follow.

“All we can do as coaches is comply with all the regulations that has been put in place and make sure we are sanitizing our facilities and doing what is best for the safety of our players and coaches,” Gandy said.

LeVert said he expects an adjustment period since Gov. Kay Ivey closed schools statewide K-12 on March 13, followed with the AHSAA  ending spring sports.

“It is going to take some time as we adjust to the new normal of life, but we will be doing everything within our power to make this transition as seamless as possible,” LeVert said.