Wasaren League Postpones All Fall Sports
Hopes to Reschedule Games For The Spring
by Steve Bradley
After grappling with the facts of the coronavirus pandemic, the Wasaren League has decided it is best to postpone the 2020 fall sports until what they are calling the “Fall Sports II.”
That season, which includes the sports of soccer, field hockey, cross country, golf, tennis and swimming, is tentatively scheduled from March 1 to May 8. Football, volleyball and competitive cheer had already been postponed.
Athletic directors decided that trying to negotiate state regulations, including transportation requirements, both of which are subject to change by the day, was just too much. The recent cuts to state funding also played into the decision.
A Section 2 press release issued Monday stated, “Significant discussions took place considering the increased risk of exposure to COVID-19, contact tracing, transportation, scheduling and the safe management of sporting events. The superintendents agreed that the focus in September and October should be on the safe and healthy reopening of schools.” The League also says that steps moving forward for each district will be made in consultation with their respective Boards of Education.
The Eastwick Press asked Brunswick Central Schools (Tamarac) Superintendent Dr. Angelina Maloney about the impact of the decision on their student-athletes, beyond the obvious disappointment. She replied the district remains hopeful some if not all the sports will resume in the spring, and that “we are currently developing strategies to keep our student-athletes engaged in a safe manner.” Berlin Central School superintendent Dr. Stephen Young said at the Tuesday, September 15 school board meeting, “I regret we had to make this decision but I am confident the Fall II season will be a success.” He also said “this was the best decision for the safety and well being of all our students.”
Section 2 had previously announced the cancelation of fall sports championships, after the NYSPHSAA had canceled all regional and state playoffs.