~by The Scranton Journal
There was no wrestling for Greene County last week because of a skin virus, herpes gladiatorum, that appeared on several Ram matmen following a December tournament. Coach Mark Sawhill noted a competing wrestler who clearly had a sore on his forehead was allowed to participate.
The virus is highly contagious, spread by personal contact or from anything that has touched the affected area.
The virus necessitated the team having to withdraw from a North Polk tournament on Jan. 5 and a JV tournament in Ogden Jan. 6. Greene County coaches terminated practice last Thursday and will resume Jan. 15.
The Greene County athetic department issued a statement Monday, saying: “Due to a continued skin infection our wrestling program will be shut down through the 14th of January. We apologize to both our student athletes and our opponents for this unfortunate situation.
“Our athletic department has consulted with medical professionals and they also believe this is the best option at this time. All athletes infected have taken proper protocol to handle the outbreak.”
The triangular with PCM and South Hamilton scheduled for Jan. 11 has been cancelled as well as the JV tournament on Jan. 13.
Sawhill is sure the virus did not originate with his team. He explained that all mats are disinfected before and after every practice.
