Spring sports postponed at least 2 more weeks

The PIAA released a statement Monday announcing that the start of the springs sports season is postponed at least two more business weeks and the possible restart of the winter championships are still on hold. The message from the PIAA comes in response to a “stay at home” directive from Governor Tom Wolf.

On March 12, the PIAA initially postponed its remaining winter sports championships, which include the boys and girls basketball tournaments and the Class 2A swimming & diving championships. The organization followed with a statement March 16 shutting down all school activities, including sports games and practices, as determined by a directive from Wolf closing all schools in Pennsylvania.

In the boys basketball Class 5A tournament, West Chester East was slated to play Unionville in the quarterfinal round. In the girls 5A tournament, Villa Maria was preparing for a quarterfinal matchup.

Villa Maria’s swim team was also preparing for the Class 2A swimming championships.

Here is the full statement from the PIAA:

“On Monday, March 23, 2020, Governor Wolf issued a “stay at home” directive to citizens in seven counties for the next two weeks. This directive also closes all commonwealth schools and all non-essential businesses for another two weeks. The Governor is taking a measured approach in mitigation to assist in combating the coronavirus.

Therefore, the start of spring sports is postponed another two weeks and the possible re-start of the winter championships will continue to be on hold. No date has been determined to restart any sports activities at this time. PIAA will continue to receive information from the Governor’s office, the Department of Health and the Department of Education

to provide updated information.

As we navigate through this difficult time we need to remember the lessons that interscholasticathletics has taught us: cooperation, patience, sacrifice, responsibility, respect and perseverance. We will provide more information as it becomes available to us.

Please continue to practice good health habits as continually being promoted by the PA Department of Health: Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer. Cough into your elbow, not your hands. Clean surfaces frequently. Practice social distancing guidelines. Stay at home. If feeling ill, contact your local health provider.

By working as a team we can help fight against the spread of the coronavirus. Stay calm; stay home; stay safe.”