Strange Times Leave Spring Sports Student-Athletes, Coaches Doing What They Can To Prepare
March 20, 2020 at 12:34 a.m.
By Steve Krah-
Instead, high schools were closed and practices postponed for weeks because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
On local college diamonds, NAIA member Grace College had its season canceled and NCAA Division III Manchester University because of COVID-19 concerns is awaiting its next move.
“Everything is shut down,” said Warsaw head coach Andy Manes. “They don’t want any students in the school. There’s not a whole lot we can do.”
Thursday afternoon, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb ordered all public schools remain closed until May 1, which puts all spring sports in jeopardy.
“We’re following the guidelines from Dr. Hoffert (superintendent Dr. David Hoffert) and the State of Indiana and go from there,” said Manes. “We had a really good winter (of off-season training). I was really encouraged about what our team can do. I still hope we can play.” Manes is encouraging his players to stay in shape and there are plans to send workouts that athletes can do on their own.
“We can’t meet with them as a group,” said Manes. “They’ve got a lot of free time now. We’ve told (players) to stay healthy and get a little work in if you can.”
Wawasee finds itself in the same situation.
“It’s been tough for all the players and the coaches as well after we’ve been in all this hard work,” said Warriors head coach Brent Doty. “But safety is always are priority no matter what.” With an experienced squad expected to return, Doty said many of his players know what to do to stay prepared during the time they are required to stay off-campus. But he will be available to contact for any who might be looking for guidance in that area.
When assistant AD Doty and athletic director Cory Schutz met with the team last week, they brought up something that the IHSAA has since emphasized on its website.
The IHSAA did not cancel the spring sports season. All rules governing travel sports are still in effect. Athletes who participate in travel or club sports during the time they are out of school, they will lose their eligibility for high school sports this season.
Doty said there have been teachers and administrators at the buildings helping prepare for eLearning and preparing materials for student without internet access.
With the school being shut down until at least early May, a full 28-game schedule cannot be played before the sectional.
“As (Northern Lakes Conference) coaches, that’s been on our minds,” says Doty. “We’d like to have at least one round of NLC play if possible. But that’s not up to us. Administrators and above will make those decisions.”
Manchester High School, where Jack Rupley is the Squires head coach, is also closed.
“We’re not allowed to have any activities whatsoever,” said Rupley.
“There’s really nothing we can do this whole virus thing is going to have to play itself out.” Rupley said the schools system will listen to state health personnel and the Centers for Disease Control for options.
“I’m sure the IHSAA is keeping close tabs on everything, too,” said Rupley. “We can’t control this virus stuff that’s going on. It’s better off to err on the side of caution.”
Meanwhile, Rupley is encouraging his players to run in place and do push-ups and sit-ups to stay to condition. If possible, playing catch with a parent or sibling is also advised.
“Let’s not lose what we’ve gained (during the IHSAA limited contract period),” said Rupley. “I can’t coach them. I can’t be around them. They can’t come on our school grounds.” Rupley is also a boys basketball official. He worked at the Class 4A Elkhart Sectional this year, but was not going to a regional or beyond.
As of this writing, Grace has canceled on-campus classes and temporarily closed residence halls until April 13. The school’s spring break was Feb. 28-March 9.
Effective on Monday, the NAIA and Crossroads League canceled the remainder of the spring sports season.
Grace played its final game of the season March 12 at Mt. Vernon Nazarene and finished 6-10 overall and 1-3 in the Crossroads.
“Players were very disappointed and somewhat confused,” said Lancers head coach Ryan Roth. “None of my roster have endured any type of national/global issue that has effected them directly.
“As for myself, I sympathize that our players cannot play the game they love. I stand behind the decisions made by our leadership in our institution and government.
“Above all I trust God with the situation.” Rick Espeset is in his 24th season as head baseball coach at Manchester University and has been the school’s athletic director since 2009.
The NCAA Division III Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference has moved to cancel all practices and competitions through April 6 and Manchester has decided to go to remote learning through April 18.
Espeset notes that about 20 Division III conferences have completely shut things down for spring and the postseason tournament has been canceled at all three NCAA levels — I, II and III.
“It’s unprecedented,” said Espeset, who was supposed to be in Florida this week (his Spartans began the 2020 season at 2-5). “We’re playing it day-by-day.
“Last Thursday (March 12) was the most dramatic day. Every hour something was changing.” With some students having nowhere to go, Espeset said the MU campus has remained open.
“We’re encouraging social responsibility,” said Espeset.
Instead, high schools were closed and practices postponed for weeks because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
On local college diamonds, NAIA member Grace College had its season canceled and NCAA Division III Manchester University because of COVID-19 concerns is awaiting its next move.
“Everything is shut down,” said Warsaw head coach Andy Manes. “They don’t want any students in the school. There’s not a whole lot we can do.”
Thursday afternoon, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb ordered all public schools remain closed until May 1, which puts all spring sports in jeopardy.
“We’re following the guidelines from Dr. Hoffert (superintendent Dr. David Hoffert) and the State of Indiana and go from there,” said Manes. “We had a really good winter (of off-season training). I was really encouraged about what our team can do. I still hope we can play.” Manes is encouraging his players to stay in shape and there are plans to send workouts that athletes can do on their own.
“We can’t meet with them as a group,” said Manes. “They’ve got a lot of free time now. We’ve told (players) to stay healthy and get a little work in if you can.”
Wawasee finds itself in the same situation.
“It’s been tough for all the players and the coaches as well after we’ve been in all this hard work,” said Warriors head coach Brent Doty. “But safety is always are priority no matter what.” With an experienced squad expected to return, Doty said many of his players know what to do to stay prepared during the time they are required to stay off-campus. But he will be available to contact for any who might be looking for guidance in that area.
When assistant AD Doty and athletic director Cory Schutz met with the team last week, they brought up something that the IHSAA has since emphasized on its website.
The IHSAA did not cancel the spring sports season. All rules governing travel sports are still in effect. Athletes who participate in travel or club sports during the time they are out of school, they will lose their eligibility for high school sports this season.
Doty said there have been teachers and administrators at the buildings helping prepare for eLearning and preparing materials for student without internet access.
With the school being shut down until at least early May, a full 28-game schedule cannot be played before the sectional.
“As (Northern Lakes Conference) coaches, that’s been on our minds,” says Doty. “We’d like to have at least one round of NLC play if possible. But that’s not up to us. Administrators and above will make those decisions.”
Manchester High School, where Jack Rupley is the Squires head coach, is also closed.
“We’re not allowed to have any activities whatsoever,” said Rupley.
“There’s really nothing we can do this whole virus thing is going to have to play itself out.” Rupley said the schools system will listen to state health personnel and the Centers for Disease Control for options.
“I’m sure the IHSAA is keeping close tabs on everything, too,” said Rupley. “We can’t control this virus stuff that’s going on. It’s better off to err on the side of caution.”
Meanwhile, Rupley is encouraging his players to run in place and do push-ups and sit-ups to stay to condition. If possible, playing catch with a parent or sibling is also advised.
“Let’s not lose what we’ve gained (during the IHSAA limited contract period),” said Rupley. “I can’t coach them. I can’t be around them. They can’t come on our school grounds.” Rupley is also a boys basketball official. He worked at the Class 4A Elkhart Sectional this year, but was not going to a regional or beyond.
As of this writing, Grace has canceled on-campus classes and temporarily closed residence halls until April 13. The school’s spring break was Feb. 28-March 9.
Effective on Monday, the NAIA and Crossroads League canceled the remainder of the spring sports season.
Grace played its final game of the season March 12 at Mt. Vernon Nazarene and finished 6-10 overall and 1-3 in the Crossroads.
“Players were very disappointed and somewhat confused,” said Lancers head coach Ryan Roth. “None of my roster have endured any type of national/global issue that has effected them directly.
“As for myself, I sympathize that our players cannot play the game they love. I stand behind the decisions made by our leadership in our institution and government.
“Above all I trust God with the situation.” Rick Espeset is in his 24th season as head baseball coach at Manchester University and has been the school’s athletic director since 2009.
The NCAA Division III Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference has moved to cancel all practices and competitions through April 6 and Manchester has decided to go to remote learning through April 18.
Espeset notes that about 20 Division III conferences have completely shut things down for spring and the postseason tournament has been canceled at all three NCAA levels — I, II and III.
“It’s unprecedented,” said Espeset, who was supposed to be in Florida this week (his Spartans began the 2020 season at 2-5). “We’re playing it day-by-day.
“Last Thursday (March 12) was the most dramatic day. Every hour something was changing.” With some students having nowhere to go, Espeset said the MU campus has remained open.
“We’re encouraging social responsibility,” said Espeset.
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