By BILLY HEYEN
Following New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that New York schools will be closed to in-person learning for the remainder of the academic year, the NYSPHSAA’s member sections have canceled all remaining spring sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This announcement means that none of Section V’s eight spring sports will be played. The sports affected are baseball, softball, boys and girls track and field, boys and girls lacrosse, boys golf and boys tennis.
In a statement, Section V executive director Kathy Hoyt said the following:
As Executive Director of Section V athletics, I want to commend the school districts, athletic administrators and coaches for their dedication to the student athletes during this very challenging situation. Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the resiliency and commitment of our wonderful student athletes. They have remained focused and positive throughout. Section V would like to wish all our seniors the best of luck as they prepare to begin their next chapter in life. It is our hope that your time spent as an athlete is Section V was enjoyable and rewarding. Class of 2020 – thank you for the wonderful memories!!!
Friday’s announcement follows the NYSPHSAA’s announcement earlier in the week that the state championships were canceled. According to the NYSPHSAA’s release, at least 43 other state high school associations have canceled their seasons in similar fashion.
The NYSPHSAA will begin putting together an ad hoc committee that will examine the potential impact of the coronavirus on the fall 2020 sports season. According to the release, the committee will include school and district superintendents, principals, athletic directors, section executive directors and the NYSPHSAA’s executive director, as well as potential representation from the New York state Education Department, New York state School Boards Association and the New York state Department of Health.
“I would like to commend the work of the 11 NYSPHSAA Section Executive Directors who have worked tirelessly to benefit the students in their Sections. Many throughout our state were hopeful students would have the chance to participate in high school athletics this spring and return to some sense of normalcy,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis has taken a toll on many aspects of our lives and high school athletics is one of them. At this time, we must focus our attention on the health and safety of all New Yorkers. Please stay safe and stay positive during this difficult time.”
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