BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It's official. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has made the difficult decision to cancel the winter sports state championship events. This applies to girls and boys basketball, bowling, and ice hockey.
In a press release, NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas said, “Our association’s focus is to benefit students through participation in interscholastic athletics and unfortunately this rapidly developing situation has prevented our association from providing a quality championship experience. We certainly sympathize for the students who are being impacted by this crisis but at this time they deserve honesty from the leadership of our association.”
Nearly two weeks ago, the COVID-19 outbreak forced the NYSPHSAA to postpone winter sports events, days before basketball regionals and ice hockey state championships were supposed to take place in Buffalo.
“This is one of the most difficult decisions the Officers of the NYSPHSAA have ever had to make,” added Paul Harrica, President of NYSPHSAA. “It has been determined it is not feasible for the Winter State Championships to be hosted in a safe and beneficial manner for the participating student-athletes and their teams in the near future. The health and safety of the students we serve will always be our top priority.”
pring sports have yet to begin with schools statewide closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The status of the NYSPHSAA Spring State Championships will be determined on or prior to Monday, April 27th.
