Winter playoff games canceled
High-risk sports also to be further delayed because of pandemic
The latest edition of bad news for high school athletics in the state was authored Friday when the New York State Public High School Athletic Association released news that there will be no state championship events held this winter. This revelation came about following a meeting of the state’s 11 section directors.
“When examining the feasibility of Winter State Championships, it became apparent that travel and overnight accommodations would create a unique challenge for our member schools,” NYSPHSAA executive director Dr. Robert Zayas said. “At this time, we must prioritize maximizing student participation without a focus on championship events.”
“This is not a surprise. To be honest with you, reluctantly I felt like this decision probably could have been made a month ago,” Section II executive director Ed Dopp said.
There will be no winter championships held for the sports of bowling, boys’ swimming, gymnastics, indoor track, hockey, skiing and wrestling. Previously, there were no state championship events held during the fall or spring as the nation continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
“As an educator, I am witnessing first-hand the challenges our member schools are facing each day in addressing this pandemic,” said Julie Bergman, NYSPHSAA president. “It is important we continue listening to the concerns being expressed by our membership when making decisions impacting interscholastic athletics.”
In addition, the NYSPHSAA
also announced Friday another delay to the start of practice for winter sports deemed high-risk by the New York State Department of Health — basketball, hockey and wrestling. Those sports were already pushed back from starting this month until Jan. 4. The delay could seriously reduce the number of games or matches each sport can fit into a winter schedule.
Shenendehowa boys’ basketball coach Tony Dzikas guided his 2019-2020 squad to a Section II Class AA title. He, like so many winter coaches, are frustrated not knowing if or when a 2020-21 campaign will be contested.
“You just have to focus on the stuff you can control. Right now, that stuff is pretty limited,” Dzikas said. “I am trying to tell the guys, especially the ones interested in playing college ball, to start to get fit and stronger. You can’t worry about the stuff you can’t control. It is easier said than done. This is disappointing.”
Under the current plan for Section II athletics, Fall Season II was set up for fall high-risk sports that were not allowed to compete to begin practicing March 1. If that date is maintained, it could leave six weeks or fewer to contest high-risk winter sports. Without the go-ahead from the NYSDOH, any start date remains in limbo.
“Until we get approval, there is nothing we can do,” Dopp said. “There has been discussion. There will continue to be discussion.”
Dopp added Section II will do everything within its power to provide high-risk winter sports a chance to compete once given approval from the NYSDOH.
“What is an adequate amount of time to do something? I don’t know the answer right now,” he said. “I will go back to the spring when the membership begged us to give them a chance to play — even if it was for a few games so teams could have a senior night. The fact of the matter is, once we get approval, they need six practices. Under the current (winter) plan, we have to be done Feb. 28 so we can start Fall Season II. The dates have never been set in stone.
“People have to be realistic. With the (infection) rates right now, to think we are going to get approval anytime soon — I am talking about into the first half of January, I don’t see it coming with the current numbers.”