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Regular season for Section IV remains on hold

LATHAM – The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announced the cancellation of the 2020 spring sport state championship events Monday afternoon.

The impacted events are the boys and girls track and field, boys tennis, softball, basketball, golf and both the boys and girls state championships. All were scheduled to take place within the first two weeks of June but with schools currently still closed until at least May 15, many factors came into play for the state’s difficult decision.

“Unfortunately, with the continued impact of the COVID-19 crisis, hosting the spring 2020 state championships is no longer feasible (time factor, facility, venue availability, etc.),” said Paul Harrica, NYSPHSAA’s president, in Monday’s press release. “Canceling the remaining winter state championships in late March was challenging and the cancelation of our spring state championships on Monday is equally disappointing.”

Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director said, “Monday’s decision is difficult for the membership of NYSPHSAA. We certain sympathize with the students, coaches and their school communities, especially the graduating seniors.”

This, however, does not mean the spring sports seasons are completely out of question. The regular season decision will be based on each individual section throughout the state. For student-athletes to return to athletic participation this spring, schools must be reopened by the New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The date in which students can return to school will play a significant role in the possibility of a regular season schedule for nine of the 11 sections. On April 21, Sections VIII and XI – both located in Long Island – officially called their spring sports seasons.

The rest of the sections along with the NYSPHSAA will continue to rely on information from the New York State Department of Health, local health departments as well as Governor Cuomo’s office for guidance on COVID-19.