IHSA’s modified COVID-19 fall sports playoff plan leaves huge void for local athletes
There will be no IHSA state champions crowned in the fall of 2020.
The Illinois High School Association Board of Directors on Monday approved approved a plan to conduct modified postseason state series tournaments in boys and girls golf, boys and girls cross country, girls swimming & diving, and girls tennis this fall.
The approved plan will allow for a single round of regional geographic competition to be conducted the week of Oct. 19-25, with the majority of the events expected to be held Oct. 24. Regional events will be played with the specified COVID areas.
But, much to the heartbreak of athletes throughout Illinois, there will be no sectional tournaments or having the dream of playing in and winning a state championship.
Althoff golf coach Dan Polites, whose team placed second at the IHSA Class 1A state tournament a year ago — losing by a single stroke to Mater Dei — was at Stonewolf Golf Club where his team took on Edwardsville in a dual match when he got the difficult news.
“It’s heartbreaking. There were more than a few tears shed when we made the announcement that the IHSA said there would be no sectional or state tournament. Having the chance to compete in the state tournament series is what high school athletes in Illinois work to have the opportunity to compete in,” Polites said.
“A player like an (Althoff senior) Avery Irwin who played tournaments all over the Midwest this summer is someone who would have had an excellent chance to contend for a state championship. For him to not have that opportunity ... it’s very sad.
“But I feel for all the high school athletes who are competing in the fall.”
The IHSA State Series tournaments will meet all Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines as it relates to COVID-19. The IHSA will be finalizing and releasing details for each fall state series tournament in the coming weeks, including dates, schedules, awards, structure, and additional safety precautions.
The aforementioned fall sports are competing under the revamped IHSA 2020-21 activities schedule and Return to Activities plan submitted by the IHSA to the IDPH on July 29. The IDPH approved the plan earlier this month.
“The health and safety of the student-athletes, their coaches, and their school communities has been our priority from the start of the pandemic,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Throughout the spring and summer, we looked for ways to re-engage student-athletes with their peers and coaches, and our membership has shared countless positive experiences from that initial ‘return to play’ period.
“We have found similar value in being able to conduct fall sports, and believe the participants deserve a culminating experience if we can offer it safely.”
O’Fallon coach saddened, thankful
O’Fallon girls cross country coach Neil James also took the news of no state finals hard. The Panthers are a perennial contender to compete at the Class 3A state finals each November at Detweiller Park in Peoria.
James, although disappointed, is thankful his team is competing this fall.
“Obviously, it is disappointing that there will not be a state final, as that meet is one of the main goals each season,” James said. “However, we are so fortunate that our athletes are getting the opportunity to compete. After missing last track season, our runners are so excited for the opportunity to race and show all of the hard work that they have put in.
“We have some outstanding runners and teams in our area that will get a chance to test themselves against each other throughout the season.”
Edwardsville coach ‘surprised’ to be competing this fall
Edwardsville cross country coach George Patrylak said with the current Covid numbers in the state, specifically in St. Clair County and Madison County. that many coaches expected the sport to be moved to the spring.
I think most of us were surprised when the IHSA announced that we would try to hold cross country in the fall. I was fully expecting the season to be pushed back to the spring. With the current Covid numbers in the state, specifically in St. Clair County and Madison County, it was pretty clear that we would not reach the required numbers to have a normal state meet.,’’ Patrylak said. “Although there is nothing in high school sports as exciting and unique as the cross country state championships, I am just happy that the IHSA is trying to give the athletes a positive experience and the opportunity to compete.
“The difficult part for the 3A schools in the area is that we are limited in terms of team competition. It would have been nice to battle some of the powerhouse teams in the state. I am anxious to see what the new Regional format will look like, but I am also excited that the athletes will have some level of closure for the end season. Our athletes are also blessed that we have so many great coaches in our area who are doing everything in their power to make this a memorable and successful season.’’
This story was originally published August 25, 2020 at 12:28 AM.
