WESTFIELD – Amidst all the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus, or COVID-19, there is still a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for local high school student-athletes.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association announced late Monday that it would be extending its start date for the spring sports season to April 27, rather than scrapping it entirely.
“I think this is a positive thing that shows they’re doing what they can at the moment to give student-athletes a season,” Westfield High School athletic coordinator Ryan Dunphy said moments after the news broke.
RYAN DUNPHY
WHS Athletic Coordinator
Late last week, nearly the entire sports world – from the professional leagues to the collegiate level to the high schools and youth organizations – was shut down as fear of the Coronavirus spread throughout the United States. Initially, the MIAA delayed the start of the high school sports season to March 30 with an additional 10 days of practice needed prior to the first game of the season.
“This decision is based on available information from numerous health agencies and is made in the best interest of our student-athletes, schools, and communities,” MIAA Director of Communications Tara Bennett stated in an e-mail sent to participating schools’ athletic directors last week.
Since then, tighter restrictions and guidelines have been put in place to curb the spread of the virus. Still, it is just a delay.
“It shows that the (MIAA) is trying to be cautious,” Dunphy said. “It’s a good thing that they’re not scrapping it altogether and trying to give it a shot. …Something is better than nothing.”
Details regarding the structure of the spring season will be addressed by the Tournament Management Committee. An update will be provided and reviewed by the MIAA Board of Directors by March 25.
