Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Executive Director Craig Anderson, members of the IHSA staff, and Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) staff members met virtually with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Deputy Governor Jesse Ruiz, and IDPH Chief of Staff Justin DeWitt on the evening of January 6, 2021.
“We appreciate the dialogue with state leadership and believe it is crucial that it continue moving forward,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “We understand that the state faces shifting priorities as it continues to fight the pandemic, while also beginning the distribution of the vaccine. There was no expectation that a single meeting would resolve all our questions. However, we believe that collaboration with state officials is vital for the IHSA to be able to develop an informed plan for the 300,000-plus student-athletes and over 800 high schools that encompass the Association.”
IHSA and IESA leadership used the meeting to reintroduce recommended mitigations from the IHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), as well as to seek understanding on any preliminary insight IDPH may have related to the return of interscholastic sports. The IHSA also asked IDPH leadership to review the risk levels of all remaining sports, with consideration for lowering some sports from their current risk levels.
“We believe that there is both data and science that validates the idea that we can safely conduct sports,” said Anderson. “We have seen it work in other states and believe it can in Illinois if we utilize the mitigations provided by IDPH and the IHSA SMAC. Students are already leaving or participating out-of-state on weekends. We believe that competing for their high school remains the safest venue for participation.”
All IHSA sports remain on pause at the moment. Low risk sports may not begin until the state returns to Phase 4 in the All Sports Policy. The IHSA Board of Directors are scheduled to meet again on January 13.
“Our Board of Directors is going to have difficult decisions to make regarding the seasons’ for medium- and high-risk sports very soon,” said Anderson. “With no specific IDPH timeline or statistical benchmarks established for the return of sports and the calendar shrinking, putting together a puzzle that allows for all sports to be played becomes increasingly improbable. We continue to urge all residents of our state to be diligent in their efforts to adhere to safety guidelines, as a lower positivity rate remains the key to athletics returning.”
IHSA Executive Director Statement on the IHSA Board Discussion Update:
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson released the following statement on the IHSA Board of Directors December 2 Discussion Update:
"The IHSA Board of Directors met virtually this morning for an update session, where they discussed several topics, including the timeline of winter sports.
Given Governor Pritzker’s current mitigations, the Board has no expectation of starting low risk winter sports prior to January. The Board and IHSA staff will continue to monitor the Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation in effect currently. When there is a timeline for the state to emerge from these restrictions, the Board is prepared to restart lower risk winter sports quickly. In addition, the Board hopes to reestablish contact days in January for any winter sports that cannot begin, as well as spring and summer sports. The introduction of the contact days will be based on mitigations from the Governor and the Illinois Department of Public Health at that time. Further guidance on contact days limits will be established at a future Board meeting.
Given its status as a low risk sport, the Board also discussed the possibility of moving the girls badminton season from the spring to the winter. Schools should begin preparing for this possibility as action on this could be decided at the December 14, 2020 Board of Directors meeting.
The Board reiterated that they remain committed to creating as much opportunity as possible for all sports that remain to be played this school year. They intend to evaluate the equity of each season as a potential resumption date in January begins to materialize. The Board appreciates the flexibility displayed by our schools throughout the pandemic, and although they recognize the challenges each modification creates, they continue to ask that schools be adaptable in the New Year. The Board continues to evaluate season start and ending dates depending on when the winter season resumes.
The Board is scheduled to meet again on December 14 at their regularly scheduled December board meeting. The Board will be discussing sports/activities state series, possible adjustments to IHSA By-law 3.022 and 4.022 for semester academic eligibility and the latest information regarding Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation limits.
The Board and staff have received questions from schools regarding the interpretation of the Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations and the application in use of the weight room and open gyms before and after school. The Board believes that local schools and their districts may interpret the application of this and whether or not their facilities are made available to community members in their district according to the guidance for public health and fitness centers.
To reiterate, the Board has no expectation to begin any winter sports seasons until 2021, but will remain agile in their preparation and willingness to adapt should a window present itself sooner."
IHSA Temporarily Pauses Sports & Activities Under New State Mitigations
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met for a special virtual meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2020, where the Board provided an update on winter sports.
To maintain compliance with the most recent mitigations issued by Governor Pritzker that take effect on November 20, the IHSA Board issued guidance to pause all IHSA winter sports and activities by November 20.
“All IHSA sports and activities will cease by November 20 for what we hope is a short-term pause,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Given the rising COVID-19 cases in our state and region, we support the Governor’s mitigations and believe it is imperative for everyone in the state to do their part in following them so that we can return to high school sports participation as soon as possible.”
The Board will revisit the status of winter sports at their update discussion on December 2, and again at their regularly scheduled meeting on December 14 if necessary.
“Taking into account the current state mitigations, the Board believes that early to mid-December will be the most reasonable target to review the status of winter IHSA sports and activities,” said Anderson. “The Board is sensitive to the scheduling difficulties these delays create for athletic directors and coaches. However, our experiences this summer and fall lead us to believe that setting arbitrary start dates hinders the process even more. We realize it may seem redundant, but we have to preach patience as we await more data and direction from the state. Despite the obstacles this unprecedented school year has presented, the Board’s vision to provide participation opportunities in all IHSA sports has not wavered.”
The Board was steadfast in their desire to remind all athletes and athletic programs that adhering to the mitigations is vital to the hopes of safely playing high school sports in Illinois as soon as possible.
“I believe there is a misconception that IHSA and non-school athletic programs have an adversarial relationship,” said Anderson. “In my time at the IHSA, I have not found that to be the case at all. More so, I think there is a mutual respect for the opportunities that each provide for athletes. IHSA schools have been exemplary in adhering to state regulations throughout this pandemic and we are calling upon non-school programs to hold themselves to that same standard. As school and non-school sports temporarily cease in Illinois, and throughout the Midwest, it is a great reminder that putting the health and safety of our fellow citizens at the forefront in the short-term will allow all levels of athletics to thrive in the long-term.”
The Board provided the following participation clarifications to member schools:
Winter Season Start Date: Given the timing of the Governor’s new mitigations, November 16 will not be recognized as the start date of the winter season, regardless of whether winter sport teams conducted any official tryouts or practices. A new start date will be established for each sport once winter sports can be conducted again.
Conditioning & Weight Training: Conditioning and weight training before and after school are paused. Local schools will decide if conditioning and weight training programs that are a part of their academic curriculums continue or are ceased.
Open Gyms: Are paused and cannot be conducted at this time.
Outdoor Workouts: Outdoor workouts may be conducted in any sport in groups of 10 or less with masks and social distancing. Coaches are counted toward the 10. Use of sport-specific equipment is allowable with proper sanitizing practices.
One-on-One Skill Work: Per Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations and with school approval, one-on-one skill work between a coach and student-athlete is permitted for winter sports only, but is limited to one coach and one student-athlete per facility.
Activities: Practices and competitions may only be conducted virtually.
Non-School Participation: All sports organizations in the state, school or non-school, have been directed to abide by the Governor’s mitigations. IHSA coaches cannot organize non-school participation in any fashion. IHSA by-law 3.100 will be in effect once winter sport seasons begin following this pause.
ACTION ITEMS
1. The Board approved a recommendation to modify IHSA By-laws 5.343 and 5.353 for this school year, removing the requirement that dancers and cheerleaders be required to participate on their school’s winter sideline team in order to be eligible to compete in the IHSA State Series.
2. The Board approved a recommendation to dissolve a boys swimming & diving cooperative agreement between Yorkville (HS) and Aurora (IMSA). IMSA is not currently in session.
APPEALS & ELIGIBILITY RULINGS
1. The Board modified the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Lombard (Montini). The student was initially ruled ineligible for not meeting compliance with IHSA By-law 3.040 and its sub-sections. The student is now eligible immediately after providing new information.
DISCUSSION
At each meeting of the Board of Directors, there are certain items the Board discusses, but upon which no action is taken. The following is a report of those items from the November 19, 2020, agenda:
1. The Board discussed IHSA eligibility by-laws 3.022 and 4.022. A recent survey of IHSA member schools did not support waiving the by-laws during the second semester of the 2020-21 school year. No further action is expected regarding these by-laws.
2. The Board discussed contact days, voicing support for continuing contact days once the state is out of Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations. This will be reviewed at the December Board meeting.
3. The Board discussed seeking feedback from advisory committees on winter, spring and summer sport season lengths should winter sport seasons be delayed beyond December. This will be reviewed at the December Board meeting.
4. The Board discussed State Series plans for winter sports and activities, as well as winter sport spectator guidelines. Both will be reviewed at the December Board meeting.
IHSA Statement on Governor Pritzker's November 17 Update
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson:
“The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) recognizes that today’s announcement by Governor Pritzker will temporarily pause the IHSA’s winter sports season. We remain optimistic that these new mitigations, coupled with the emergence of a vaccine, will aid in creating participation opportunities in the New Year for IHSA student-athletes in winter, spring, and summer sports. The IHSA Board of Directors will meet as scheduled on November 19, 2020, to continue plotting out potential paths for IHSA sport and activity participation through the remainder of the school year. Although representatives from the Governor’s office and the Illinois Department of Public Health will be unable to attend the meeting, today’s updated guidance from Governor Pritzker will aid the Board’s decision-making. We have asked Deputy Governor Ruiz and Dr. Ezike to engage with us in the near future, so that we can collaborate on developing a plan to safely conduct IHSA sports and activities as soon as possible. IHSA schools have been exemplary in adhering to state regulations throughout this pandemic and we hope that non-school programs will hold themselves to the same standard as we all put the long-term health and safety of our fellow citizens ahead of short-term athletic competition.”
Gov. won't be participating in Thursday IHSA meeting
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker was asked Monday if he would be participating in Thursday's meeting with the IHSA. He said "no" and that they've "been pretty clear" about where they stand in regard to winter sports.
As it stands now, those schools choosing to participate in an IHSA basketball season can only have "no-contact practices and trainings." The IHSA is expected to provide further direction Thursday. The Governor says he wants schools to play basketball in the spring.
IHSA Tells Schools To Delay Basketball Practice Until At Least November 19th
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors held a virtual update session on November 11, 2020, to review recent developments related to the IHSA basketball season ahead of the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on November 19, 2020.
The Board announced that they are formally inviting representatives from Governor Pritzker’s Office and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to attend the IHSA Board meeting on November 19. Additionally, the IHSA will also seek representation at the meeting from the Illinois Principals Association (IPA), the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and a coalition of nearly 200 school superintendents who recently contacted the Governor regarding school sports during the 2020-21 school year.
“The Board hopes to create a dialogue and build a more collaborative relationship with all the entities involved with developing sports policy in our state as everyone tries to navigate the myriad issues caused by the pandemic,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “The Board’s decision to move forward with the IHSA basketball season was not meant to be adversarial. It was rooted in a desire to receive more direct communication and data from our state partners. They hope all the groups will see the mutual benefit of increased discourse and be represented at the meeting on November 19.”
The Board also announced that schools who plan to begin basketball practice on November 16 should adhere to the Level 1 mitigations from the IDPH All Sports Policy until at least November 19. The Board cited rising COVID-19 cases in the state and a recent membership survey for this recommendation. The Board plans to provide more direction on basketball practice and games following the meeting on November 19.
The Board revealed that among the 546 schools who responded to the survey (IHSA has 813 member schools), nearly 300 IHSA schools do not plan to start basketball on November 16, and another 212 schools remain unsure of their status.
“The Board recognizes the difficult decisions they have placed on member schools regarding basketball,” said Anderson. “With a limited number of schools set to begin their season on November 16, they believe it is prudent to adhere to IDPH guidance as they work with state officials to gain greater clarity on the metrics and mitigations required to conduct certain high school sports throughout the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.”
Morning Show Interview With Aces Boys Basketball Coach Tyler Buss
Aces boys basketball coach Tyler Buss was our guest on today’s Morning Show to talk about getting the go ahead from the school board last night to start practicing next week….
SIJHSAA Postpones Winter Sports
The SIJHSAA Board of Control held a special meeting Thursday, mainly dealing with the girls and boys basketball situation. As you know the IDPH has moved basketball to a higher risk sport in the Governor's All Sports Policy. This change by the IDPH will not enable schools to participate in this sport at the present time. Governor Pritzker has stated that basketball isn't canceled, its postponed and moved to the spring. In turn the Illinois High School Association has basically stated that the IDPH has ignored the SMAC-IHSA Sport Medicine Committee's Return To Play Guidelines for basketball.
The IHSA has announced that they will follow the SMAC Basktball Guidelines and will not follow the recommendation of the Governor, IDPH, and ISBE. With this situation that is going on between the IHSA and the governor-IDPH-ISBE, the SIJHSAA Board of Control met to give some guidance to its member schools on where we are going with basketball and upcoming winter sports.
A motion was made to postpone all SIJHSAA sports until approved IDPH Return To Play Guidelines are in place. The main concern of the SIJHSAA Board of Control was liability issues that could occur dealing with association insurance and liability issues that could arise for member schools, if participating in violation of IDPH guidelines.
Thus, at this point girls and boys basketball practices set to start on November 16 and contests slated to start on November 30 are presently postponed. If circumstances change, the SIJHSAA will notify member schools of updated information for basketball and other winter sports.
The SIJHSAA will monitor what is occuring concerning basketball and other winter sport activities. The Board of Control will meet again on November 19, 2020 to review these issues.
Greg Hale
Executiver Director
SIJHSAA
Jones Runs Season Best Time At Cross Country Sectional
The Mt. Carmel High School Cross Country season concluded Saturday at the Decatur-St. Teresa Sectional held at Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur, Illinois. Mt. Carmel was represented by Junior, Gehrig Jones, who was the Aces lone qualifier at the Chrisman Regional. Jones finished 28th in the field of 118 runners, with a season best time of 17:05 over the three mile course.
Due to COVID restrictions no Illinois State Championship will be held, with the Illinois state series concluding with sectional meets.
KALEB APPLEBEY SIGNING NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT
Kaleb Applebey, Senior at Mount Carmel High School, will sign a National Letter of Intent to play baseball for Wabash Valley College. His signing will take place on Wednesday, November 4 at 6:00pm in the Gymnasium at Mount Carmel High School.
Photo Credit: Twitter @applebey7
IHSA Board Acts on Winter Sports at Special Board Meeting
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met for a special board meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, where the Board provided the latest information on the IHSA’s winter sports season.
The Board voted to move the sport of wrestling from the winter season to the summer season, which will run from April 19 to June 26, 2021.
The Board approved the IHSA ‘s winter sport guidance for all low risk sports, which includes Boys Swimming & Diving, Cheerleading, Dance, Boys & Girls Bowling, and Girls Gymnastics. These sports will be conducted from November 16, 2020, to February 13, 2021. The mitigating guidance for each sport will be posted on the IHSA’s COVID-19 Resource page on October 29. The IHSA Board will review spectator and group gatherings for all winter sports at a future meeting in November.
In addition, the Board took action to follow the guidance of the IHSA Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) and will allow Boys and Girls Basketball to begin practices, per IHSA Return to Activities 2.0, on November 16. Contests can begin on November 30th within an Illinois COIVD Region or within a conference. As a part of the mitigation plan, masks will be worn by all players, coaches, and officials during play. Boys and Girls Basketball teams will follow team limitations allowing a maximum of 31 games. It will become a local school decision to determine if a school will allow their basketball teams to participate following the guidelines developed by the SMAC.
The Board released the following statement regarding the basketball action:
“The Illinois High School Association Board of Directors made the decision today to continue with the IHSA basketball season as scheduled in 2020-21. In August, the Board slated basketball to take place from November to February based on the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) assigning a medium risk level to the sport. The IHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) offered additional mitigations, such as masks during play and social distancing on benches, that the SMAC believed would allow basketball to be played safely.
The high school basketball season was potentially put on hold on October 27, when Governor Pritzker announced that IDPH had changed basketball’s risk level from medium risk to high risk.
After diligent discussion, the Board has made the decision today to follow the recommendation of the IHSA SMAC as it relates to basketball. The Board remains considerate of rising COVID-19 cases in Illinois and understand the importance of adhering to safety guidelines for the good of all citizens. However, the Board has not been presented any causal evidence that rising COVID-19 cases make basketball more dangerous to play by the IDPH or any other health organization nationally or internationally. On the contrary, the IHSA has been looking to bordering states who have sponsored both medium risk and high risk sports in the fall that have noted a low incident rate of COVID-19 spread.
Instead, we will require all IHSA basketball teams to adhere to those SMAC mitigations, and allow local school officials to make decisions related to participation.
Mounting challenges, from increased mental health issues among our students to a shrinking calendar that limits our ability to move sport seasons this school year, were instrumental in this decision to move forward with basketball as scheduled. We see our students regularly leaving the state to play sports, or covertly continuing to play locally. Students can be better protected in the high school setting, and the Board remains steadfast that playing under IHSA rules and SMAC mitigation is the safest way to conduct athletics at this juncture.
Illinois is a large and diverse state, and the IHSA membership is reflective of that. We understand that this decision will impact each high school and district differently. Some schools who remain in remote learning may not be able to start winter sports on time, and we feel for those in that situation. However, we have also learned that we cannot continue to look down the road to a season that may never come.
Contact days for our teams this fall have been an incredible boon to our students’ well-being. We fear for the mental health of students who attempt to traverse a long winter with no athletic outlet available. So much about dealing with this virus has been learned in the past eight months, and this decision will grant the membership the opportunity to apply that knowledge during their basketball season.
Each member of the IHSA Board volunteered for this position because they are passionate about high school sports and activities, and the positive impact they have on our students’ physical and mental health.”
IDPH Raises Bar To Allow High School Basketball This Winter
Craig Anderson, IHSA Executive Director:
“About 15 minutes prior to Governor Pritzker’s press conference today, we were alerted that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has elevated the sport of basketball from a medium risk level to a high risk level. We remain considerate of the recent rise in positive COVID-19 cases in our state. However, in our meeting with IDPH on Friday (October 23), we felt that we presented multiple options that would allow for basketball to be conducted safely by IHSA schools this winter, many of which are being utilized in neighboring states who plan to play high school basketball. Despite that setback, there is some positive news, as IDPH accepted the IHSA’s mitigations related to other sports, including cheerleading and dance, allowing them to move from a medium risk level to a low risk level. We will hold our special Board of Directors meeting on October 28 as scheduled, where our Board will provide direction on the other winter sports, as well as discuss the IHSA sports schedule for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.”
Spring 2021 Golden Aces Football Schedule Released
In a presentation to the Wabash District #348 school board Monday night, Mt. Carmel High School athletic director Kyle Buss released the 2021 Golden Aces football schedule:
Saturday, March 9th vs. Marshall at Mt. Carmel. 1:00pm
Saturday, March 13th at Olney 1:00pm
Saturday, March 20th at Breese Mater Dei 2:00pm
Saturday, March 27th vs. Marion at Mt. Carmel 2:00pm
Saturday, April 3rd vs Chicago Hope Academy 2:00 Neutral Site To Be Determined
Saturday, April 10th at Flora 2:00pm
Friday, April 17th vs. Mt. Vernon, IL at Mt. Carmel 7:00pm
MCHS AD Kyle Buss addresses the District #348 school board Monday night.
Aces Soccer Players Lead Squad To Undefeated Indiana U19 League Title
Some MCHS High School soccer players joined the Indiana Soccer u19 League for their 2020 season traveling to Indianapolis and Gibson County to play. The team named the Gibson County MC Golden Aces ended their season Sunday with a 19-2 win over Batesville, a Cincinnati based team, allowing them to easily clinch the title as U19 Indiana Soccer League champions and finish the season undefeated with a total of 65 goals in 7 games. The Aces beat some big Indianapolis Club teams such as Carmel FC, Indy Premier, FC Pride and Hoosier FC.
Pictured in back row: Ivan Holt, Britton Heinrich, Brady Decker, Nichole Loudermilk, Tye Kanipe, Ethan Belt, Rayce Loudermilk in front row: Eli Bertram, Aiden Garwood, Shade Loudermilk and Levi Beesley.
Aces Cross Country Beat Fairfield On Senior Day
Thursday, the MCHS Cross Country teams hosted the Fairfield Mules on senior day. The Aces honored their two seniors and co-captains, Chase Keepes and Jada Smith.
The Aces avenged an earlier loss to Fairfield by downing the Mules 27-30. The Aces, Gehrig Jones was the individual medalist in a time of 18:01. Anthony Bleyer and Jason Miller’s 2nd and 4th place finish clinched the win for the Aces. Caleb Carwile (8th), Eric Leffler (12th) and Chase Keepes (15th) rounded out the Aces scoring.
There were no team scores in the girls race, but Lady Aces runners, Jada Smith and Jayla Smith, finished 1st and 2nd, easily outpacing their Lady Mule counterparts.
The Aces next race is Thursday, October 15th at Lawrenceville.
Morning Show Interview With Lady Aces Golf Coach Karin Kelsey
The Mt. Carmel Lady Aces captured the Regional Championship on Wednesday to advance to the Salem Sectional on Monday.
Coach Karin Kelsey joined us on Thursday’s Morning Show to talk about this year’s team…l
Aces Boys Golf Report From Coach John White
From Aces boys golf coach John White:
The 2020 high school golf season was definitely the year that was.
With the mysterious Covid virus looming in the air all summer the existence of a fall golf season was in doubt. The last minute decision to allow a season with numerous restrictions was both a relief and a cause of unbeknownst stress. As a 73 year old timer growing up in the 60’s I thought that I had seen it all.
But man was I wrong. The next thing I knew was that with the football season being pushed back 12 footballers decided that they wanted to try their hand at golf.
Most had only played enough golf to know they couldn’t play the game and one didn’t even own a set of clubs.(One month later he won a qualifying round and got to play in a varsity match.)So obviously the old man wondered what he had gotten himself into and now had golf team consisting of 22 players instead of the normal 10.
The results of this unexpected experience has proven to be very much satisfactory as well somewhat successful. The expectations of the 2020 team-had been an average team at best, but with the added competition for a spot on the team it was obvious that everyone was improving every day. Instead of watching boys who couldn’t get home fast enough after practice to play their on-line games, I saw boys staying on the course until dark trying to get better. I’ve had teams like this in the past and it was a great pleasure to watch it happening again. There were times that I didn’t know if I had a golf team that could beat most football teams or a football team that could beat most golf teams. In spite of experiencing a frustrating year of total uncertainty, these players have been a pleasure to coach and I am thankful for getting the chance to meet and get to know these young gentlemen. Now for the Regional results.
1. Oblong 329
2. Carmi 330
3. St Anthony 331
4. Mt Carmel 334
We finished fourth out of 12 teams. In a normal year we would have advanced to Sectionals but only 2 are allowed to advance this year.
Individual scores were:
Jarrett West 79
Max Zimmerman 83
Beau Stipp 86
Gavin Smith 86
Owen Dougherty 91
Andrew Goldman 97
Jarrett West placed 4th individually outside of top 2 teams and will advance to Sectionals next Tuesday at the West Frankfort CC asan individual.
EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS OPT OUT OF 2020-2021 SEASON
Evansville, Ind: The Evansville Thunderbolts announced today that they will opt out of the 2020-2021 season. The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) today announced that the 2020-2021 season will only be comprised of five teams and feature a 42-game regular season schedule.
The SPHL is set to drop the puck for the 2020-2021 regular season on Saturday, December 26 with the Birmingham Bulls, Huntsville Havoc, Knoxville Ice Bears, Macon Mayhem and Pensacola Ice Flyers set to play the abbreviated schedule.
“This has been one of the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. My heart like the rest of the teams that have opted out this season wants us to play but my head tells me it is best to opt out and spend our time and effort towards the upcoming 2021-2022 season,” said Scott Schoenike, President of the Evansville Thunderbolts.
“It was not one single COVID-19 pandemic factor that determined the decision but a combination of COVID-19 restrictions, safety of players, and projected financial increases of travel, testing, extra apartments and other precautionary expenses.
“We are fully committed to the Thunderbolts coming back for the 2021-2022 season. Coach Bes will be coming back to Evansville after January 1,2021 to work on sponsorships, season tickets, and be in the community. Even though he will not be coaching a team this season he will as busy spending the season in Evansville with our fans and partners.”
“This is a tough day for the SPHL, particularly because the circumstances that forced these decisions are out of our control,” said SPHL Commissioner Doug Price. “When we were forced to suspend play back in March, we immediately turned our focus to the upcoming 2020-2021 season. We waited as long as possible for things to improve so that all of our teams could play this season, but I don't think any of us imagined we would still be facing these restrictions seven months later.”
“For those who have already purchased Season Tickets or purchased Sponsorships, I want to Thank all of you for your continued support and we will start reaching out to you and working through each account,” Schoenike concluded
Yellow Jackets Cross Country 8th Graders Recognized
On Monday, October 5th, Coach Sarah Courter recognized the 8th grade Cross Country runners prior to the meet against St. Joe - Olney.
Pictured (front row): Kali Walker, Kollin Kelsey, Alex McGinnis
(back row): Chase Gher and Hallie Courter
Yellow Jackets Cross Country Hosts St. Joe
On Monday, October 5th, Yellow Jackets Cross Country hosted St. Joe - Olney for a dual meet. Here are the results for the Yellow Jackets:
JV Girls (1.2 miles)
Isabella Monroy - 10:38
Addison Tennis - 10:51
Ava Abell - 11:04
Lillie Keeling - 12:21
Linden Stevens - 12:51
JV Boys (1.2 miles)
Tristan Bray - 9:03 (2nd)
Conner McGinnis - 9:13 (5th)
Brendan Bowser - 12:50
Lucas Isaac - 13:25
V Girls (1.86 miles)
Kali Walker - 14:12 (5th)
Hallie Courter - 15:41
V Boys (1.86 miles)
Kollin Kelsey - 13:28 (3rd)
Alex McGinnis - 14:13 (6th)
Chase Gher - 23:22
Next up for Yellow Jackets Cross Country: Wednesday, October 7th at Robinson for a 4:00 pm meet.