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Flu fears cancel Tampa Catholic's football game

Tribune photo by CHRIS URSO

Swine flu has been particularly problematic for students participating in contact sports.

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By BILL WARD | TBO.com

Published: August 27, 2009

Updated: 08/27/2009 05:27 pm

Tampa Catholic's kickoff classic football game at Naples Lely High on Friday has been canceled because of the recent discovery of cases of the H1-N1 flu virus at Tampa Catholic, principal Tom Reidy said Thursday afternoon.

The preseason game was set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff tomorrow night, but the game was canceled at the request of Collier County school officials, who apparently did not want their student-athletes to be potentially exposed to the virus.

"We've been in conversations all day with various organizations there and we had made it our intention to play," Reidy said. "I can't really comment on their motive for canceling the game but I respect their decision."

Reidy said the absentee rate at Tampa Catholic is still running high -- nearly 15 percent. Today, he said, about 100 of the school's 700 students were out, most of them with flu symptoms.

Wednesday, Reidy confirmed TC had several confirmed cases of the H1-N1 virus, or swine flu. The Crusaders varsity football team has had as many as 10 players out with flu symptoms and the bug has been so widespread on the junior varsity squad that unit had cancelled practice earlier in the week.

"It's disappointing because we were really looking forward to this as a dress rehearsal prior to the regular season," Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez said. "We still have a few kids banged up and a couple are still coming off the flu, but we were going to be pretty close to full strength for the game.

"Fortunately, we still have two non-district games before the start of our district schedule. This will also give us a chance to scout [season opener] South Lake [of Groveland]."

Henriquez said he will give his team the day off Friday. He said he will also tell his players "not to congregate" over the weekend in order to ward off any potential of the flu virus spreading further.

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