California athletes, coaches hold 'Let Them Play' rallies across the state advocating for return of high school sports

High school sports in California have been shut down for more than 10 months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the country, high school football seasons have already been played in 35 states this school year.

At nearly 140 locations across California, athletes, coaches, parents and community members are coming together Friday to advocate for the safe reopening of youth and high school sports.

High school sports in California have been shut down for more than 10 months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the country, high school football seasons have already been played in 35 states this school year.

Athletes and coaches from the San Diego Section gathered Friday morning to spread their "Let Them Play" message to local and state government officials.

Westview senior defensive lineman Mandela Tobin, who signed with Duke University last month, spoke about what playing high schools sports means to him.

"Playing football or any other sport is so vital to many teenagers across the country, and especially here in the state of California," said Tobin. "We play so that we can release ourselves and make sure that we have fun and make us forget any hardships that we have at home."

For thousands of senior student athletes across our County these lockdowns mean never playing for their school again. For Mandela Tobin, he’s asking the Governor to follow the science and allow him and the thousands of seniors across SD County to play! pic.twitter.com/kxc2BmuCzJ

— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) January 15, 2021

Dan Albano of the O.C. Register & O.C. Varsity reported that "Let Them Play" rallies were taking place at 138 locations throughout California on Friday afternoon, mostly at 4 p.m.

Update from #LetThemPlayCA on today's rally for high school sports at 4 pm - there are 138 locations state-wide, including many in Orange County @ocvarsity @SteveFryer

— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) January 15, 2021

Per Cal-Hi Sports, the total number of participating schools will be well over 138, since multiple schools will be present at every location.

Multiple schools will be represented at each rally.
Stay safe, good luck to anyone going and be sure to post a lot of images/updates as we'll be following closely. https://t.co/EkyrNGAcuh

— Cal-Hi Sports (@CalHiSports) January 15, 2021

SAN MATEO RALLY

The #LetThemPlayCA sports rallies are underway across the state right now. Here at the San Mateo City Hall we have a few dozen students and parents from schools like Terra Nova, Aragon and Hillsdale making their voices heard. #abc7now pic.twitter.com/lwnCP9tCyt

— Dustin Dorsey (@DustinABC7) January 16, 2021

Cars have been driving by for the past 20 minutes during this rally. Obviously a ton of support to get high school athletes back on the field. #LetThemPlayCA #abc7now pic.twitter.com/9RQvyDBGjS

— Dustin Dorsey (@DustinABC7) January 16, 2021

ROCKLIN RALLY

Hundreds of student-athletes, parents and coaches out in Rocklin to support the return of high school sports. Other regions of CA have mentioned organizing today as well #LetThemPlayCA pic.twitter.com/QI92MckHr4

— Nick Pecoraro (@PremierPrepsNMP) January 16, 2021

Reporting from Placer County: One of the biggest “Let Them Play” rallies is taking place right now here in Rocklin. There are student-athletes and parents here from Del Oro, Granite Bay, Rocklin, Oakmont, Whitney and Woodcreek. pic.twitter.com/GotevsuDKU

— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) January 16, 2021

LA VERNE RALLY

@SGVNSports @DamienFootball_ @latsondheimer @DamienSports @ClayTravis Ralley in LaVerne Ca to let kids play football Go Sparty!! pic.twitter.com/5qlHKU8rWn

— Danny Sanchez (@dss2422) January 16, 2021

FRESNO RALLY

The #LetThemPlayCA rally held outside the Fresno County Department of Health. @ClovisRoundup pic.twitter.com/h5jc9ZY33p

— Gabe Camarillo (@gabecamarillo_) January 16, 2021

The signs were out at the #LetThemPlayCA rally in Downtown Fresno. @ClovisRoundup @CalHiSports pic.twitter.com/0cVezVsenI

— Gabe Camarillo (@gabecamarillo_) January 16, 2021

HUNTINGTON BEACH RALLY

#LetThemPlayCA @EdisonChargers in Huntington Beach! Come out and join! @SGVNSports @SteveFryer @TonyMoskal @latsondheimer @PetrosAndMoney pic.twitter.com/QyG0troVie

— Manoa Pouono (@NoaPouono) January 16, 2021

About 30 folks here, hearing about 150 at Edison #LetThemPlayCA

— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) January 16, 2021

Big one in front of Edison! Let them play! pic.twitter.com/kQrv9w8KQU

— markcohen (@signit) January 16, 2021

Stay with SBLive for updates from the rallies as they are held around the state on Friday afternoon and evening.