Normal is now over.
Kaput. Past tense. Something seen in the rearview mirror. I can’t even believe I’m about to type this, but here goes nonetheless. The Indiana High School Athletic Association needs to finish the boys basketball state tournament in empty gyms. The same should take place for other prep events. The frightening and world-changing expansion of the Coronavirus is changing everything by the second. Tick. Tick. Tick. Consequently, Hoosier Hysteria should be played with fans staying at home, safe. On Saturday the regional round of the boys basketball tournament will take place. In Class 4A Merrillville will play Valparaiso at Michigan City. In 3A, Hanover Central will play Mishawaka Marian and Hammond battles Western in the other semifinal at South Bend Washington. Bowman Academy will play LaVille in the 2A tournament at North Judson. And in Class A, 21st Century will play Elkhart Christian at Triton. And all of the fans supporting these great teams should stay home. Stay safe. On March 6 the IHSAA released the following statement in regards to the dangerous breaths of the COVID-19 health crises. “The Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc. is aware of the case of COVID-19 in Marion County, IN that was reported this morning. We will continue to monitor the developments and listen to medical experts and if it becomes necessary to make adjustments to high school sporting events, we will work with our member schools to take every precaution to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone involved.” Since this was released, the sports world has changed dramatically. Like nothing these eyes, or your eyes, have ever seen. The NBA has suspended its season after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. The NCAA announced that its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will be played in mostly empty gyms. When March Madness makes a move this overwhelming, shouldn’t the state of Indiana do the same thing? I would say yes in the strongest language possible. This pandemic is sweeping the world downward and great traditions must adjust to keep people safe. The NBA and NCAA have chosen to put human beings in front of profits. The IHSAA should do the exact same thing. This is not normal, average or just a hiccup. This is a dash into a scary new place. Tom Hanks has the Coronavirus. Colleges across the country are now doing all teaching online. Chicago cancelled the St. Patrick’s Day parade. The Ivy League cancelled its basketball tournaments. The SEC, Big 12 and Pac-12 will continue their basketball tournaments, but without fans in the stands. There are too many unknowns with the Coronavirus and its deadly spread. I believe we will defeat this plague in time. Our medical people are the best in the world and they are working hard to come up with better ways to test this and find a cure. But until that day comes, we need to find comfort in faith and family and living our lives in a new way. And not attending the Indiana boys basketball tournament is where we are today. We should all stay home. Stay safe. I hope the IHSAA agrees with me on this very important issue. sue.
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March 2020
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