Schools were informed of the OHSAA’s decision Thursday morning.
“We are just devastated that the tournaments cannot be completed,” said OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass said. “But our priority is the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, communities and officials. Governor Mike DeWine is asking all Ohioans to do everything they can to stop the spread of this virus. That request, along with our schools not being able to reopen for weeks, means that school sports cannot happen at this time. Even if our schools reopen this spring, it will be difficult to find facilities willing to host the tournaments. Most campuses are shut down until mid to late summer. We are already planning for ways that these student-athletes will be honored at next year’s state tournament.”
Except for a few events during World War II (1941-45), this the first time since the OHSAA was founded in 1907 that championships have been cancelled.
The OHSAA provided its last update March 19, announcing the winter sports championships remained indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis.
At that time, Snodgrass said, “We will be making a decision on the winter sports probably within the next 24-48 hours,” he said. “We have to. I think it’s imperative. We can not procrastinate. I don’t want to lead people on and give them false hope.”
About the Author
