WESTFIELD – Unfortunately, it’s official.
On Friday, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association cancelled the high school spring sports season. The decision came on the heels of Gov. Charlie Baker’s recent decision to close schools in the state for the remainder of the school year.
“Today’s decision by the MIAA Board of Directors was difficult, disappointing, and one that was deferred for several weeks as Association staff, Association members for the Tournament Management Committee (TMC) and the Board worked aggressively to construct optional structures to save the opportunity for our MIAA 80,000 student-athletes to enjoy a spring season,” the MIAA announced on its web site.
RYAN DUNPHY
WHS Athletic Coordinator
The MIAA went on to say that “despite this disheartening but unavoidable action, it is paramount to applaud our constituents, principals, athletic directors, coaches and student-athletes for their positive power of example and cooperation during this unprecedented crisis. The ‘life lessons” inherent in the games we play and will be our resiliency to provide mental and physical strength to focus on the discipline and teamwork to make a difference in the challenging chapters in the Game of Life.”
Westfield High School athletic coordinator Ryan Dunphy agreed with the decision, but expressed his sentiments for the spring athletes, especially the senior class.
“Obviously we are disappointed that we are not able to have a spring season,” Dunphy said. “We understand that everyone needs to be safe, but my heart breaks for the seniors that are not able to compete this spring. We wish them the best of luck going forward.”
Dunphy said he has been working hard to plan for the fall season, and has finished schedules for all of the Bombers’ teams.
Said Dunphy: “We are hopeful that things that return to a sense of normalcy.”
