AAA extends covid-19 dead period for schools

Spring sports season canceled

ARKANSAS — Due to the continued spread of covid-19 and after the announcement of the closure of Arkansas schools through the end of the school year, the AAA announced it will extend the covid-19 dead period for all AAA member schools through May 30.

During this time, coaches shall be prohibited from engaging in any type of face-to-face contact, whether it be practicing, training, weight lifting, tryouts, competition or travel, the release states. Furthermore, school athletic facilities will be closed during this period.

“We continue to encourage coaches to use technology to keep up with their students during this tough time,” the news release states.

Spring sports canceled due to covid-19 pandemic

After multiple conversations with the Arkansas Department of Health, the Governor’s Office, the Arkansas Department of

Education and with the announcement of the closure of Arkansas schools through the end of the school year, all remaining AAA spring activities, state championships, AHSCA Coaches Clinic, and allstar games have been canceled, according to a news release on Thursday.

“Today’s heart-wrenching decision is difficult for all members of the AAA family,” said Lance Taylor, AAA executive director. “We sympathize with the students, coaches, parents and school communities, and especially our graduating seniors, but we recognize that the cancellations will allow our collective focus to remain where it is needed at this time — on the health and safety of all Arkansans. We all must come together to stop the spread.”

The AAA will continue to receive guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health, the Governor’s Office, and the Arkansas Department of Education. The AAA wishes to thank them for their leadership during this covid-19 pandemic.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Catfish flow into Crystal Lake from an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission fish transport truck parked on the boat ramp April 8. The commission restocked the lake with around 670 pounds of channel catfish transferred from its hatchery in Centerton.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS An Arkansas Game and Fish employee catches a few catfish in a net for visual inspection before dumping the batch into Crystal Lake April 8. The Game and Fish Commission restocks the catfish population at Crystal Lake on an annual basis.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS An Arkansas Game and Fish Commission fish transport truck is parked on the boat ramp at Crystal Lake April 8 waiting to release about 670 pounds of channel catfish. The truck was parked on the ramp for nearly two hours in order to acclimate the fish by pumping in water from the lake, giving the fish a better chance of survival.