No discussion gives glimmer of hope for spring

By JEREMY SELLEW & JOSE NEGRON

jsellew@yourmvi.com
jnegron@yourmvi.com

Prior to its scheduled board of directors meeting Monday, the WPIAL issued a release saying the body will not release or discuss any information on spring sports until directed by the PIAA.  

WPIAL associate executive director Amy Scheuneman had said Friday that the board of directors would discuss the future of spring sports at its monthly meeting. But the WPIAL issued a statement a few hours before the meeting saying it was aligned with the PIAA and “would follow and support the directives of Governor (Tom) Wolf for all school-based activities, including interscholastic athletics.” 

“To minimize the spread of COVID-19, schools and/or teams are reminded that having off-campus practices or workouts during a mandated closure defeats the spirit and intent of the shutdown. Schools should stop any of these activies from occurring.

“The WPIAL Board of Directors will not release or discuss any information about spring sports until directed by the PIAA.”

The decision to not even discuss anything spring sports related has given a much-needed glimmer of hope for spring sports coaches and athletes.

Frazier softball’s Emi Curcio penned an essay to the PIAA and posted a petition on change.org in an effort to convince the organization to postpone the season, but not cancel it.

Monday’s release by both the PIAA and WPIAL gives Curcio a little hope the season can be salvaged.

“By not making any announcements they are continuing to postpone the sports which is all I wanted them to do,” Curcio said. “Hopefully (the WPIAL) is working with the PIAA to make a decision once there is a better outlook.”

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