Photo courtesy: IHSA Twitter
NORMAL – The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced the cancelation of all remaining winter state championships in response to the coronavirus.
There is no official word yet on spring championships.
UPDATE: The American Hockey Association Illinois (AHAI) has canceled the remaining High School Hockey State Championships.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson released the following statement this afternoon:
“This was a difficult decision shaped by thoughtful deliberation set against a truly unprecedented backdrop,” said Executive Director Anderson. “IHSA Basketball is America’s Original March Madness, and we recognize that this tournament is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the competing teams, communities, and fans. Ultimately though, we have to put the health and safety of the students, along with the general public, ahead of the spectacle of the event. This is and remains a fluid situation. It is important that our member schools and fans understand that events outside any of our control could lead to further changes over the coming hours and days.”
Additional IHSA winter events impacted include the Scholastic Bowl Sectionals and State Finals, Debate State Finals, and the Drama/Group Interpretation Sectionals and State Finals.
IHSA will refund any purchased tickets for the remaining events.