Monday Mailbag: April 6, 2020

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

The Monday Mailbag is back to its regular format today with questions and comments about high school spring sports, Eggerss Stadium improvements and the Bengals.

Q: Is there a realistic hope that any high school spring sports will be played? Name withheld upon request

A: If all Ohio school buildings remain closed past May 1 and e-learning is used for the remainder of the academic year, I seriously doubt we’ll see spring sports.

Even if schools re-open on May 1, it’ll be interesting to see how it would work. I’m guessing the only games played or track meets run would only be conference or league events, and tournaments would most likely run simultaneously, which isn’t unusual for spring sports.

Hopefully, we’ll see a timeline soon, one that offers some clarity.

Q: Is there any chance that some spring sports won’t be played, but others will? Name withheld upon request

A: I don’t think so. Ohio High School Athletic Director Jerry Snodgrass has indicated that it’s all or nothing when it comes to spring sports.

I don’t see that changing.

Q: Will fans be allowed to attend spring sports games if they’re played?

A: That’s a good question.

I guess it would come down to whatever guidelines are in place at the time. I’d like to think if schools were back in session that people would be able to watch their favorite team or teams.

Q: Obviously other things have popped up, but has there been any more talk about renovations at Eggerss Stadium? Name withheld upon request

A: For the answer to that question, I reached to Van Wert City Schools Board of Education President Anthony Adams, who’s also the board’s representative to the Athletic Council. Here is his response:

“Obviously things have been a little crazy the last few weeks so the stadium hasn’t been at the forefront of our thoughts. We had intended to have Howard Benson attend our March board meeting and present the feasibility study for both the stadium and the athletic complex at the high school.“

“However, since we did our March Board meeting electronically it didn’t make sense to have him present it then. Not knowing what April brings I would assume at this point that the feasibility study will be presented at the May board meeting or June at the latest.”

Q: If you ran the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami offered all three of their first round draft picks for the top overall pick, would you do it? Name withheld upon request

A: It would be tempting, no doubt about it. The Bengals would wind up with the No. 5, No. 18 and No. 26 selections in the opening round. That’s a good way to quickly restock a roster with good young talent.

If I wasn’t 100 percent sold on Joe Burrow, I’d make the trade, otherwise no.

Personally, I wonder why Miami would want to make a trade like that. If they do things correctly, the Dolphins can get an elite player at No. 5 and solid or better contributors at No. 18 and No. 26.

If you have a question or comment for next week’s Monday Mailbag, simply email it to sports@thevwindependent.com.