WC spring sports canceled; OHSAA postpones winter events

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The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced that all remaining winter tournament contests are immediately postponed due to the growing situation with the coronavirus COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Wilmington College’s athletic season has ended as the Presidents Council of the Ohio Athletic Conference has voted to cancel all 2020 spring sports seasons, effective March 16 through the remainder of the academic year. This includes all athletically-related activities as defined by the NCAA. In addition, all meetings, practices and other off-season activities for other sports also have been cancelled.

Wilmington College, a member of the OAC, does not have any other scheduled events between now and March 16. As such, spring sports at the college have concluded for the 2020 season. This announcement from the OAC comes after WC president Jim Reynolds, per the recommendation of Ohio governor Mike DeWine, announced Wilmington would be suspending all activites for a two-week period beginning at 8 a.m. March 16.

More from the OAC Presidents Council – “While we recognize the profound disappointment that will be felt by the many student-athletes, parents, fans and coaches, the ongoing spread and uncertainty of COVID-19 have made the continuation of athletic activities untenable,” the OAC Presidents Council said in a press release. “The OAC will appeal to the NCAA to regain a season of eligibility and an extra semester to participate for all spring student-athletes who have participated thus far at OAC member institutions.”

On the high school front, the suspended tournaments include the girls state basketball tournament; the state individual wrestling tournament; the state ice hockey tournament, and the boys regional and state basketball tournaments.

Clinton County had five individuals preparing for the state wrestling tournament — James Peters and Kadin Berwanger from Blanchester, Colton Doyle and Robby Frederick from Clinton-Massie and Jonathan Cline from East Clinton.

“We will use this time to work with the appropriate state authorities and health experts to determine our next steps moving forward,” Snodgrass said. “We realize this is disappointing for our participants and their fans, but the overall health and safety of everyone involved in our tournaments is our priority.”

No timetable has been determined for possible rescheduling for the tournaments.

The announcement was made after state and local officials recommended that no public gatherings take place to help slow the spread of the virus.

Jonathan Cline of East Clinton is one of five Clinton County wrestlers hoping their season will include the OHSAA Individual State Championship. For now, though, that tournament, along with all other winter tournaments, has been postponed.
https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_WR_JonCline_ec0222.jpgJonathan Cline of East Clinton is one of five Clinton County wrestlers hoping their season will include the OHSAA Individual State Championship. For now, though, that tournament, along with all other winter tournaments, has been postponed. News Journal File
High school tourneys postponed, WC spring season over almost before it starts

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