All Bossier Parish school events, including spring sports and practices, have been canceled until April 13, Bossier Schools announced in a statement posted Friday evening.
According to the statement, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association is allowing Bossier Parish schools to complete events already underway, including baseball tournaments hosted by Airline and Benton, through Saturday.
The move is in response to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ order closing all K-12 schools until April 13 as a precautionary measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The order also bars gatherings of more than 250 people until then.
Spring sports sanctioned by the LHSAA are baseball, softball, tennis, golf, bowling, gymnastics and outdoor track and field.
The state powerlifting meet was also scheduled for March 20-21 in Monroe.
Haughton head baseball coach Glenn Maynor posted the following statement on the school’s Facebook page.
“We are working on seeing if we are going to be able to practice some. Area coaches are going to be working to have a plan in place for when we are back in school to continue our season. These are tough times for all our Players, players families, and coaches. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
On social media Friday, players and coaches from around the state asked that seasons be allowed to continue.
Haughton baseball player Carter Griffin posted a photo on Twitter showing himself at the age of 7 standing at the end of a line of players before a game.
He posted this with it.
“That little boy on the end is 7 year old me. I have waited my entire life to play centerfield at Haughton just like my Dad did. Make the right call #LHSAA and don’t take dreams come true away from those of us that have worked so hard.”
As of Friday evening, his Tweet had 56 “likes.”
Also canceled was the Louisiana High School Basketball Coaches’ Association’s East-West All-Star games scheduled for April 13 at BPCC.
Bossier’s D’Ante Bell and Cody Deen had been named to the boys West team. Benton’s Qua Chambers had been named to the girls West team.
Here is the complete statement issued by Bossier Schools.
“As a precautionary measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Governor John Bel Edwards has ordered all K-12 public schools to close until April 13, 2020. This order is effective immediately.
The order also bars large public gatherings of more than 250 people until the same date, meaning all Bossier Parish school events and practices that were scheduled are now canceled. However, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association is allowing Bossier Schools to complete current events already underway, such as baseball tournaments, through tomorrow.
This is a rapidly developing situation and one that is unprecedented. We know you have questions, as do we. Rest assured we are working diligently to get answers and we will be communicating more information as we gather it. Bossier Schools is currently working out on-line learning options and feeding sites.
Never before has there been a greater need for us to pull together. Bossier Schools asks for your patience and cooperation and wishes everyone well during this most difficult time.”
The LHSAA issued a memo on spring sports late Friday.
“The LHSAA will adhere to the Louisiana Governor’s 30 day closure of the K-12 public schools by postponing remaining Winter and Spring athletic events to include, but not limited to Powerlifting, Bowling, and Bass Fishing State Championships. The LHSAA Executive Committee will meet April 7th and 8th at its regularly scheduled meeting to discuss the LHSAA’s direction after the April 13th mandate by the Governor of Louisiana.
Scheduling and participating in practices during the mandated time period (from March 16th to April 13th) will be left to the discretion of the administration and/or LEA of the schools involved. We will continue to monitor the situation and we encourage each member school to consult with their local health department and medical professionals to help with these decisions.
We realize that the situation is rapidly evolving and events around the country are influencing what discretion can or cannot be given to administrators or LEA. Please continue to review key planning considerations for events should you decide to allow regular season play this weekend and then after the April 13th mandate. If you plan to continue with regular schedule play through this weekend please adhere to the Governor’s restrictions limiting crowd capacity.”
