As schools across the country are being shut down amid the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, the sports world at Jamesville-DeWitt High School has been completely shaken up.
The current plan, according to Section III officials, is to start spring sports on April 14th. This will impact practices, games, and postseason tournament play. Details will continue to be released as the situation develops.
There is a chance that the April 14th start date could be shifted, but as of now, the plan is to begin practices at that point.
On the state level, NYSPHSAA is continuing to monitor the situation. On April 27th, the NYSPHSAA Officers will determine whether or not there will be state championship competitions this year.
Students at J-D are certainly disappointed to have their seasons shortened, but most are understanding of the extenuating circumstances. Junior tennis player Peter Hatton said, “I think they’re doing the right thing. As long as we stay healthy, I think we’ll all be fine with it.”
The shortened season is the toughest on the senior athletes. Track athlete Brian Hulbert is disappointed that his final sports season as a Red Ram is being affected. “I’ve been doing track for four years, and now my senior year is kind of messed up. I don’t have another year to compete.”
The best thing for the athletes to do is to continue to train as much as possible given the circumstances and to remain optimistic. The coaches of the track team have been sending out workouts that athletes can do from home to stay in shape and take a break from school work.
More information about the plans for spring sports will be provided as the situation develops.