As state's first Coronavirus case announced, more local sports events cancelled
By GRAHAM DUNN
The sports world has all but come to a halt in the last few days, thanks to the news of the spread of the coronavirus. The suspensions and cancellations have affected local teams and events.
In a release on Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey confirmed the state’s first case in Montgomery.
“Along with my fellow Alabamians, I have closely monitored the rapidly changing events regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a state, we have taken precautionary measures and made preparations in the case that the virus would eventually reach our state. As I have emphasized time and again, the safety and health of Alabamians is paramount.
“Alabamians are smart and savvy, and I know they will continue taking appropriate precautions to prevent the spread to themselves or others. We have taken a calm and collected approach in preparation for this first confirmed case, and we need to remember that calm and steady wins the race. Alabamians should not be fearful, but instead, use commonsense to watch out for themselves and others. We will remain engaged on the matter and continue prioritizing the health and wellbeing of all Alabamians.
“I am grateful to the work of State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, as well as the members of my Coronavirus Task Force and countless individuals who are also watching and working on this situation closely.”
Late Thursday, Alabama State announced it was suspending all athletic competition for the foreseeable future in response to COVID-19. That includes any competitions, practices, camps and clinics held by department personel.
The ASU basketball season, both men and women, had already been completed but the news affected all spring sports.
Huntingdon College also announced through a letter from school president Cameron West that all athletics are postponed until at least March 29. He also stated the spring break would be extended by a week.
While Faulkner University has not made any announcements concerning cancellations, the men’s basketball team was scheduled to participate in the NAIA national tournament in Kansas City, Mo beginning March 28. But the association announced on Thursday that all Winter championship events have been cancelled.
The NCAA announced on Thursday all winter and spring championship events were cancelled but that did not directly affect conference play. Auburn-Montgomery, a Division II and Gulf South Conference member, had announced cancellations of tennis matches but as of Friday morning, the Warhawks baseball series with Alabama-Huntsville this weekend was still on schedule. An official announcement was scheduled to be released by noon Friday.
The AHSAA is taking a “wait and see” stance as of Thursday. In a letter to member schools, executive director Steve Savarese stated that the association would follow recommendations from the Center of Disease Control, Alabama Department of Public Health , Governor’s Task Force and the Alabama Department of Education. As of Friday morning, events were still on schedule but the AHSAA would allow member schools to use discretion.
A release from the state department of education was to be released at some point on Friday and it is expected to postpone classes in public schools for the next three weeks. Most school systems are in spring break beginning Monday.
That would affect AHSAA events since the association does not allow play while schools are not in session.
The Association announced on Friday that the annual Hall of Fame banquet would be moved to May 22. It was scheduled for this Monday.
The annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Basketball games are scheduled to be played Friday in Clinton, Miss. As of Friday morning, the Mississippi Coaches Association announced the game would be played as scheduled but with limited public access. The girls’ game is scheduled for 5 p.m. followed by the boys’ game at 7.
Montgomery Public Schools also announced on Friday that all athletic events were cancelled until further notice.
The AISA is also taking the same approach as the AHSAA but according to the association’s athletic director, Roddie Beck, cancellations and postponements are expected to be announced “in the near future.”
“We are addressing the possibility of moving dates and championships,” he said. “Like everyone else, we are monitoring the situation and working on a contingency plan for the different championships.”
Beck said that if public schools close, he would expect members of the AISA to follow suit.
Garrett Coliseum was set to host the annual SLE Rodeo beginning March 19 but an announcement stated the event has been postponed. Coliseum director Randy Stephenson stated the rodeo organizers were working to find another date to hold the event.
The Coliseum was also set to hold a WWE event on March 29. That event had not been cancelled or postponed as of Friday morning.
With Major League Baseball announcing a delay in the opening of the regular season, the Montgomery Biscuits will not open on the scheduled date of April 9 in Biloxi, Miss. Since there is no official date for the season to open, the Biscuits front office cannot speculate on when the Biscuits would play their first home game.
The Sun Belt Conference is scheduled to play its conference baseball tournament at Riverwalk in May but as of Thursday, the conference announced that it was suspending all spring competition until further notice.