Boys and girls basketball, ice hockey and wrestling state finals affected by OHSAA decision.
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Basketball players and coaches from Carroll and West Branch high schools gather together for a photo outside St. John Arena after their Division II state semifinal was postponed.
Photo by Eric Frantz
The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Thursday that its winter sports championships are postponed indefinitely due to the growing situation with the coronavirus COVID-19.
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.
No timetable has been determined for possible rescheduling for the tournaments.
The decision was made less than 40 minutes before tip-off of the Division II girls basketball state semifinal match-up between
Carroll (Dayton) and
West Branch (Beloit), which was scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.
Both teams were warming up on the floor at Ohio State's St. John Arena before they were directed to return to their locker rooms. There they were told of the decision. Spectators – which following a Wednesday amendment by the OHSAA were limited to immediate family, school personnel and coaches – were informed via PA announcement.
"We will use this time to work with the appropriate state authorities and health experts to determine our next steps moving forward," OHSAA executive director Jerry 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."
Said Carroll athletic director Scott Molfenter: "You want to be on the right side of history on this one. You want to make good decisions. Our kids were very disappointed, but I think they understand. Our administration understands."
Ohio's spring sports seasons are in question with schools being put on a mandatory three-week hiatus by the governor staring Monday. Classes will resume April 6.
