No-show season: WIAA announces cancellation of spring sports, activities

Due to the school closure extension, the cancellation includes all practices, competitions, tournaments and championships, WIAA says.

The spring sports season has come to a tough end — before even beginning.

On April 6, Gov. Jay Inslee extended the statewide closure of all public, private and charter K-12 schools through June 19. During the briefing, spring sports and activities were not addressed by the governor or State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal.

Washington Interscholastic Activities Association officials reached out to the state leaders for clarification, the organization shared earlier Monday evening, and shortly after 6 p.m., the WIAA reported the disappointing loss.

“The WIAA has received clarification that the order issued by Governor Inslee on Monday includes the cancellation of all in-person extracurricular athletics and activities through the end of the school year,” according to a news release.

The cancellation includes all regular season contests and practices as well as all postseason tournaments and championship events for both sports and extracurricular activities, the WIAA reports.

Spring sports include baseball, boys and girls golf, boys soccer, softball, girls tennis and boys and girls track and field.

While difficult, the decisions as made for the safety of students and families in Washington, the WIAA wrote.

“The WIAA Executive Board and the WIAA Staff feel for those students around the state that have had their seasons or careers cut short,” the release continues.

“This terrible disease has not only prevented students from creating lifelong memories through competition, it has limited the valuable lessons gained through participation in education-based athletics and activities.”