The Illinois High School Association announced Thursday in a press release that it has canceled its remaining winter State Series championship tournaments over concerns surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The impacted sports and sanctioned events include boys basketball, Scholastic Bowl, drama, group interpretation, music, debate and journalism.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding that we have received from everyone involved in this process over the past 72 hours,” said Craig Anderson, executive director of the IHSA. “We have stressed the fluidity of this situation and have been transparent about the possibility that a suspension or cancellation could occur.”
“While we had support from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Peoria City/County Health Department to continue our events with limited spectators, it has become untenable to continue the events among our member schools,” Anderson added. “Multiple schools who are participating or hosting these sports and activities have been forced to withdraw from those roles, clarifying the need for the IHSA to take definitive action. The Board considered suspending the events, but after deliberate discussion, did not believe that was a realistic option within the timeline. We feel for everyone who has been impacted, but must put the health and safety of all involved ahead of these events.”
No decision has been made by the IHSA regarding spring sports tournaments.
“It is too early to make any decisions regarding IHSA spring state final tournaments,” said Anderson. “We respect the NCAA’s decision to cancel its spring championships, but also recognize that the exposure and travel by our high school teams are not as expansive as collegiate teams. At this juncture, we recommend that all IHSA spring sports teams consult their local health departments, and follow their recommendations on if and how to proceed with practices and regular-season contests.”
Randy Kindred from the Decatur Herald and Review reported that the association had initially limited tournament attendance for the Class 1A and 2A championship series to 60 fans per school during the tournament slated to begin this weekend, as well as sectionals, super-sectionals and the state tourney for Class 3A and 4A.
Second-ranked Roanoke-Benson was scheduled to tip-off against Goreville in a Class 1A state semifinal at 1 p.m. Friday inside Carver Arena in Peoria. Aurora Christian and Madison were scheduled in the other semifinal slated for 11:00 a.m.
Class 2A semifinal games involved Chicago Orr against Breese Mater Dei and Elmhurst’s Timothy Christian against Springfield’s Sacred Heart-Griffin.
The Class 3A and 4A semifinals would have been scheduled for March 20 and 21.
Full refunds will be available for all fans who already purchased tickets.
