The cancellations came in a continuous streak, one after the other on the Sheridan Blackhawks Twitter feed Friday, totaling 24 in all.
With Sheridan Schools closed for the next four weeks, it means adjustments to the spring sports season. Sheridan High School athletic director Beth DeVinney posted a message on the school’s athletics website Friday regarding the situation, thanking everyone for their patience.
DeVinney said she realizes the disappointment everyone feels about the circumstances, but in order to keep students and families safe, “I know it was the absolute right thing to do,” she said.
Events and practices were canceled starting Friday, and that will last until Sunday, April 12. DeVinney said that no one should be in the building during the break, including no weightlifting or gym time.
“Youth League is also out until we are back in school,” said DeVinney.
PRACTICE RULE STILL IN EFFECT
Once school is back in session, athletics can begin again, but it’s not as simple as just starting events right away. IHSAA rules stipulate that student-athletes need 10 practices before they can compete in their chosen sport.
“The IHSAA has NOT waived the minimum practice rule and therefore that will affect games coming back from break,” said DeVinney.
If school starts again on April 13, here is what the schedules will look like:
Track and field athletics have already fulfilled their 10 practices. However, DeVinney pointed out there is an addendum that covers missed practices during the season. Those that miss more than 10 practices, as Sheridan athletes will, must have six more before being eligible to compete.
Thus, Sheridan’s first two track meets, scheduled for April 14 and 16, have been canceled. The Blackhawks’ first meet will take place on April 23 at Bud Wright Stadium and will also be the Senior Night meet.
Softball still has six practices to complete; those will take place from April 13 to 18. Sheridan’s first six softball games have been canceled, making the first contest an away game April 21 at Delphi.
Baseball and boys golf have yet to start practicing, as the first date for official practices, according to IHSAA rules in those sports, is March 23. So, those seasons will be delayed even further.
Both sports will now practice April 13-18, then have four more from April 20 to 23. (April 19 is a Sunday, thus no practice allowed on that day.) The golf team’s first meet, schedule for April 23, is canceled. The Blackhawks will open the season April 27 at Cool Lake Golf Club against Western Boone.
As for baseball, the first five junior varsity games are canceled, with the opener now April 27 at Park Tudor. Varsity baseball will have all games in March and April canceled, and start its season May 2 by hosting Taylor in a doubleheader.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Sheridan Middle School track and golf teams are in the same situation. Both teams will have their first 10 practices April 13-18 and April 20-24 (if there is no Saturday practice on April 18).
Both teams have their first two meets canceled and will start the season on April 27. The track team will host Taylor and the golf team will play Hamilton Heights and Clinton Central.
The full message from DeVinney can be found here on the Sheridan Athletics website.
Sheridan’s spring sports, including baseball, will have their schedules affected by the school’s closure for the next four weeks. Pictured from last season is Blackhawks pitcher Cole Bales. (Kirk Green/File photo)