CIF state wrestling championships will go on despite plea by wrestler

The CIF said Thursday that the state wrestling championships scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Bakersfield will go on despite a plea by a high school wrestler to postpone the meet after he allegedly contracted a contagious virus known as “mat herpes” during a recent wrestling match.

Blake Flovin, a wrestler from San Jose Archbishop Mitty, wants officials to determine how many other athletes may have been exposed, according to the NBC Bay Area TV station.

The CIF responded with a statement from Executive Director Roger Blake:

“Whether taking action to prevent concussions or the spread of infectious diseases, protecting the health and safety of our student-athletes is paramount. This is why we have experienced medical doctors on staff who ensure all our programs adhere to established protocols, the latest scientific research, the best medical advice and the most respected national health and safety standards for high school sports.

“After a thorough medical review of this situation, we have concluded that this week’s CIF State Boys Wrestling Championships will proceed as scheduled for March 4-5, at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield.

“With regard to California high school wrestling championships, it is standard operating procedure for certified trainers and physicians to conduct a careful skin evaluation of every wrestler before weigh-ins on both days of the tournament. Physicians and certified athletic trainers are trained to detect symptoms and make a determination as to the nature of the condition and whether the student-athlete may compete without posing a risk to himself or any other competitor.

“We are confident that our practices, along with an exhaustive medical review of this particular situation, ensure that there is no justification for concern about the spread of a contagious disease at the event.

“We look forward to sponsoring the anticipated 561 student-athletes from 276 California high schools competing at the 44th annual CIF State Wrestling Championships.”

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