Emotions run high after spring season gets called off

By COLIN FOSTER and GARY R. RASBERRY
sports@dailystandard.com

The final decision weighed heavily on Ohio High School Athletic Association Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass.

"I have broken down a couple of times," said Snodgrass during a teleconference on Tuesday afternoon, referring to the decisions he had to make regarding both winter tournaments and spring sports. "I knew what I had to do. It was emotional."

Many people - athletes, parents, coaches, etc. - are feeling similar emotions all over the state.

After Gov. Mike DeWine ordered the closing of school facilities for the remainder of the academic year on Monday, the OHSAA followed suit by canceling spring sports. The no-contact period between players and coaches remains in effect until May 3.

A number of area teams and individuals had held out hope for a shortened spring season - some of which had a realistic chance at winning a state championship this spring.

Here's what a couple of coaches had to say in response to the news:

"What I will miss most is the day in, day out interaction with the team," said Coldwater baseball coach Brian Harlamert, whose team was denied a shot to defend its Division III state title. "I don't remember records. I remember relationships with players. It's hard to imagine not seeing eight seniors compete for one goal. They did leave as champions in 2019, but will remember the opportunity that was lost."

"Thank you to this group of young ladies, who even before their senior year was taken away, showed a grit and determination in the off-season unlike any I had seen before," wrote Minster softball coach Robb Hemmelgarn on his Twitter page. "I'm very proud of each of them and sincerely thank them for all they gave in the past 12 years."

There is hope for a summer season.

On Tuesday afternoon, the ACME Baseball Congress wrote on its Twitter page that registration is open for this summer and checks will not be cashed until playing is guaranteed. The big news? Current seniors are permitted to play. Tournament action will be backed up by one week. The ACME Congress said it will abide by orders from the governor before taking the field.

Snodgrass said the OHSAA has already been in talks about the fall season. He said that his team has discussed a number of scenarios, including a potential delayed start with a reduction in games.

"I'm concerned. I'll put it that way," Snodgrass said. "I only emphasize it because of the forward thinking our staff has already done speaks volumes. … We're concerned, but planning for fall."