The fast-spreading coronavirus crisis that has interrupted all aspects of society has also altered the plans of the New York State Public HIgh School Athletic Association to finish out its winter sports season.
NYSPHSAA announced on Thursday afternoon that all of its state tournament contests set for this weekend were indefinitely postponed. No makeup plans were given.
“It is certainly understood that postponing the remaining winter state championships is disappointing,” said the association in a statement. “However the opportunity to participate in a NYSPHSAA championship event does not outweigh our responsibility and obligation to ensure students participate in a healthy and safe environment.”
“It was my goal to complete the winter championships on schedule,” said NYSPHSAA executive director Dr. Robert Zayas. “(But) it has become increasingly more difficult to host these championship events with the number of challenges that have been presented.
“I also have concerns as a parent that students will be participating in an event under circumstances that are not conducive to a quality and beneficial participation experience.”
This declaration affects three different winter sports still ongoing – basketball, ice hockey and bowling.
Each of the 10 regional basketball finals involving Section III teams are now on hold, with no guarantee that they will get made up. No decision has been yet made about the March 20-22 state championships that were scheduled to take place in Glens Falls (boys) and Troy (girls).
This included regional games for the Cicero-North Syracuse girls against Shenendehowa in Class AA and Christian Brothers Academy’s pair of games in Class A, with the boys scheduled to face Mekeel Christian and the girls set to take on Averill Park.
“It is very disappointing for the kids and especially the seniors,” said C-NS girls basketball head coach Eric Smith. “But we talked about it as a team and completely understand that there are much more important things in life than sports. Putting it in perspective made it easier for the kids and coaches to handle the decision.”
NYSPHSAA’s ice hockey championships were set for Saturday and Sunday at Buffalo’s Harborcenter. Originally, it was announced on Wednesday that the games would be played without spectators, but those plans changed.
Thus, the two Section III teams involved in the Division II tournament – Skaneateles and Whitesboro – will await to see when, or if, they will play their state semifinals and title game, the Lakers unable to try and claim a second consecutive state title.
“The players are obviously upset that they did not have an opportunity to defend their crown this season, ” said Skaneateles head coach Mitch Major. “It has been a goal of theirs all season and much hard work and dedication went into it. Sometimes life just is not fair though (which is) a life lesson in itself.
Here in Syracuse, the NYSPHSAA bowling championships were scheduled to start Friday and continue through Sunday, with the Baldwinsville boys bowlers set to compete in Division I on Sunday. These, too, are on hold.
It is merely the latest cancellation involving major sports events. The NBA, NHL and Major League Soccer have all suspended their seasons. Major League Baseball will not start its regular season on time, while major tennis and golf tournaments have also been shelved.
