LIVE MIKE
When it comes to high school sports—at least on the state level—it seems as though the last few months have been a case of taking one step forward and two
steps back. Perhaps that fact has never been more obvious than it was this past week, as local student-athletes got some good news followed by a true gutpunch
of an announcement.
On Nov. 4, Section I officials finally revealed the format for the fall sports postseason, a welcome development for most, and a sign that, for all the tumult caused by the coronavirus this autumn, student-athletes in our area had finally reached the finish line.
Five days later, though, state officials issued a pronouncement that wasn’t as well received by youngsters hoping to play winter sports.
Under guidance from the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, it was announced that there were currently no plans to begin winter athletics for “high risk”
sports—which include basketball, ice hockey and wrestling—on Nov. 30, meaning the winter season for a bulk of student-athletes may well be in jeopardy.
Now, of course I understand the trepidation on the part of state officials; there has been a recent uptick of coronavirus cases in New York State, and winter
sports, played indoors, present their own unique challenges in terms of keeping athletes, coaches and officials safe.
But as parents who are eager to see their children suit up for their schools this winter are quick to point out, it’s not as though basketball and wrestling events haven’t been taking place throughout the pandemic, they’ve just been operating under the banner of other organizations such as AAU or regional wrestling
governing bodies.
These parents would argue—and perhaps rightly so—that there’s no real difference between sports played at the scholastic or club level, except maybe
the amount of travel involved. Obviously the high school fall sports season didn’t go off without any hiccups. Positive tests in various school districts prompted
several teams to suspend their seasons temporarily, as was pretty much expected. But what was heartening is that school administrators and coaches showed a
willingness to overcome these speedbumps and do their best to get the kids out on the field safely.
We are now two weeks away from crowning regional champions, barring any unforeseen new outbreaks, and I think even the biggest skeptic would have to
believe that the fall season was a rousing success.
So. I urge state officials to stop underestimating the willingness and the inventiveness of our coaches, administrators and athletes; they’ve showed the ability
to rise to the challenge. Don’t rob them of that same chance this winter.
Follow Mike on Twitter – @LiveMike_Sports
