All UIL events cancelled after governor’s announcement

By Donnie A. Lucas

Following the announcement by Gov. Greg Abbott last Friday that all Texas schools are to remain closed for the remainder of the school year, the University Interscholastic League canceled all remaining 2019-2020 spring activities and state championships.

The cancellation means that all pending or postponed academic and athletic events for the current year have been scrapped in an effort to protect the health and safety of Texans in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Competitions have been on hold since the second week in March, leaving some activities hanging and others yet to begin.

“It’s very disappointing to see the season come to a close the way it did,” athletic director Ryder Peacock said. “While we understand why the UIL had to make the decision they did, it’s frustrating for both players and coachers that we will never get closure to these activities.”

Both the softball and baseball seasons were halted just as play was gearing up for district, and local track athletes had participated in only one meet when the season was shut down.

“We had regional qualifiers returning in tennis, golf, and track this spring, and our baseball and softball teams were playing extremely well and hoping for long playoff runs,” Peacock said. “It is all just so disappointing.”

The cancellation also affects other activities such as one-act play and UIL academics.

“Our one-play had advanced to area just before spring break and would have competed at the next level this year,” superintendent Jonathan Scott said. “The other districts we would have competed against had not held their district contests yet.”

UIL academic coordinator Rick Davis said that a number of local students had been working toward the district contest that was set for March 23.

“We were expecting some really good things from our students this year,” Davis said. “We were very optimistic about our science and journalism teams, and there was also a lot of potential for our math team to see what they could do.”

A number of students advanced in journalism events to the regional meet, with one competitor making it to state in three events and medalling in two last year.

“This is very disappointing for the students and their teachers who had been working hard this spring,” Davis said. “We will not get to see how far the kids could have gone this year.”

Softball coach Jimmy Fuentes that his team had overcome injuries and gained experience this season and were primed to advance far into the playoffs.

“Our softball team had bounced back impressively from a rebuilding year last season,” Fuentes said. “Everyone was returning, and we were really on a roll with a very successful tournament season. We were going into district with a lot of momentum and were ready to make a run.”

The coach said that it was a real missed opportunity.

“We will never know how it would have played out, and that’s unfortunate, especially for our two seniors,” he said. “I know in the long run, the kids will learn an important life lesson from all of this adversity, but right now they are trying to come to terms with it all ending so suddenly.”

The Lady Lions had just won the Clifton Tournament and had a 12-5 record as they prepared to open district.

The Lion baseball team also had a stellar start to the season, winning all their games at both the Hamlin and Brock tournaments to post a 7-0 record when the season was suspended.

“This is a tough way to end a season,” head baseball coach David Fairchild said. “You just never expect something like this.”

The coach said the Lions were primed for the season with eight returning starters from last year’s squad that advanced to the state tournament.

“I really hate this for the whole team but especially the seniors,” he said. “They had a bright season stripped away. It’s just sad.”