SWAC monitors outbreak, but track meet on for now

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Apr 30, 2009

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Southwestern Athletic Conference officials are staying abreast of the swine flu situation in Texas as the league prepares to stage its annual outdoor track and field meet.

The SWAC meet, which begins at 9 a.m. Friday and concludes Sunday, will be held primarily at Texas Southern’s Durley Stadium, with some field events at nearby Rice University.

“As of now, everything is a go,” SWAC assistant commissioner for communications Duane Lewis said Wednesday afternoon.

Lewis said SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp will be in Houston today and “will meet with Texas Southern officials, and we’ll go from there.”

On Wednesday, all high school sports under the governing body of the University Interscholastic League in Texas were suspended until May 11 because of the outbreak of the swine flu. The UIL encompasses all public schools and some parochial schools.

According to the Houston Chronicle, “the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools is continuing to keep its playoff schedules intact for the time being.”

“Right now, we’re feeling confident in maintaining the schedule,” Lewis said.

“We’re going to meet and see if there are any additional precautions we can take, not only for the student-athletes but also for the fans.”

Prairie View’s men and Jackson State’s women are the defending conference champions.