An annual event during which high school sports teams are introduced has been changed from its ordinary format for this year.

A release from the Marshall Public School District says in an effort to minimize risk for the district’s student athletes, faculty and community members, the MHS Fall “Meet the Owls” will be done virtually this season.

The decision was made with input from administrators and coaches, as well as other Activities Directors around the state of Missouri.

In order to get the student athletes out on the competition field when the season starts, the district feels that it is important to minimize the amount of unnecessary contact for the athletes prior to the season starting.

The activities department is working on a plan to have parent meetings in person outside at different times for each activity.

The district’s goal is to have these meetings the week of August 24 prior to the first contact. It is important that one parent/guardian from each household attend or set up a private meeting with the coach before the season starts.

The district also will put a video out to the public on August 24 for parents, staff, students and community members to view to see the introductions of each team.