Coronavirus pandemic forces IHSA to cancel spring high school sports season
The Illinois High School Board of Directors officially canceled all spring sports state tournaments because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was made during Tuesday’s meeting.
The decision to cancel the spring state tournaments comes just days after the April 17 announcement by Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education that all Illinois schools will be closed for the remainder of the academic year because of COVID-19.
“We support the decision by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education, and given the logistics, we simply felt we could not conduct state tournaments that meet the expectations of our member schools this spring,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said.
“As disappointing as it may be for students, it is the right decision for their health and safety, as well as for the health and safety of the general public, as we cope with this unprecedented pandemic.”
“The IHSA offers state tournaments in the following sports and activities in the spring: girls badminton, boys gymnastics, bass fishing, boys and girls track and field, boys and girls water polo, girls soccer, boys tennis, boys and girls lacrosse, boys volleyball, baseball and softball.
IHSA events have been canceled since March 12 when the boys state basketball tournaments were called off.
The IHSA delayed making a final decision on spring state tournaments in hope that the COVID-19 situation would improve, but that ended with Pritzker’s decision to keep schools closed.
Contact between coaches, players are limited
The IHSA board also determined that summer contact days are suspended for this year, unless state government and medical leaders indicate such gatherings are safe. At that time, the board indicated a willingness to reconsider how summer contact might be conducted and whether opportunities for schools to conduct some kind of spring athletic events might occur.
“Once it is determined safe to return, we will provide a detailed outline to our schools on the plan for summer contact days and possibly some kind of spring athletic events,” Anderson said. “Including if the number of days and dates that coaches can meet with athletes has been altered. At this point, though, all that is dependent upon state government and medical leaders giving the go ahead for such.”
Coaches react to the IHSA’s decision
“The most important thing in all of this is that people are staying safe and healthy. So, even though we can certainly see, understand, and agree with the science and the reasoning behind the decisions being made, it is still disappointing for the players. Having baseball taken away is hard for all players, coaches and parents, but especially the seniors. My heart really goes out to all of our seniors and their parents. Belleville East, our athletic department, and our baseball program have all tried to take steps to celebrate and honor all of our seniors in the best ways we can.”
— Ryan Wiggs, Belleville East baseball coach
“It is hard to put into words exactly how I feel about losing this season. While our team completely understands that we have to do what is best for everyone involved, it is still a sad time for so many spring athletes. The loss of a senior season is especially devastating as the memories of that year really do last a lifetime. As a coach it is so hard to try to find words to make the players feel better. I am sad also for all the underclassmen — every player has trained hard to be ready for this season. We tell the girls all the time ‘live in the moment.’ You never know what game could be your last. I have no doubts that all spring athletes will rise above and use this as a learning experience because they have learned how to handle adversity throughout their careers.”
— Natalie Peters, Belleville East softball coach
“My heart breaks for our seniors as it may very well be their last track season for them ever. It’s just hard to see them so excited for a season coming off our first ever sectional championship last year and then it’s over with no chance to try again this season. The good part about this track and field team at Althoff Catholic is that we stand behind our faith that God is sovereign and we can trust Him in this journey. Yes, it’s hard but we know that it’s in our best interests and we can continue in time to run, jump, or throw for joy in His glory!”
— Mike Sanders, Althoff girls track and field coach
