Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced Tuesday that IHSA winter sports like basketball and wrestling would be put on hold. The two sports were scheduled to begin practice Nov. 16. The Governor’s announcement comes just one day before the IHSA Board meets in special session to discuss the direction of winter sports. WRMJ Sports Director Jim Taylor picked up reaction from Sherrard grad and Ridgewood boys basketball coach Bryan Brooks Tuesday evening.
Released statement from IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson late Tuesday afternoon.
“About 15 minutes prior to Governor Pritzker’s press conference today, we were alerted that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has elevated the sport of basketball from a medium risk level to a high risk level. We remain considerate of the recent rise in positive COVID-19 cases in our state. However, in our meeting with IDPH on Friday (October 23), we felt that we presented multiple options that would allow for basketball to be conducted safely by IHSA schools this winter, many of which are being utilized in neighboring states who plan to play high school basketball. Despite that setback, there is some positive news, as IDPH accepted the IHSA’s mitigations related to other sports, including cheerleading and dance, allowing them to move from a medium risk level to a low risk level. We will hold our special Board of Directors meeting on October 28 as scheduled, where our Board will provide direction on the other winter sports, as well as discuss the IHSA sports schedule for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.”