Fall and Winter High School Sports Become Latest COVID-19 Cancellation

Montgomery County Public Schools announced Tuesday that all fall and winter sports are cancelled for the upcoming season.  The decision coincided with the announcement of a virtual-only semester for public schools across the county.

Fall and winter sports were notably cancelled, as opposed to being postponed until the spring. The decision includes all high school varsity and junior varsity sports, as well as middle school athletic programs.

In a statement released Tuesday, Director of Systemwide Athletics for MCPS Jeffrey Sullivan said that the county will continue to support and reimagine the experience of student athletes.

“While we are deeply saddened by the cancellation of interscholastic athletics during this time, we know that the number one priority for everyone is the health and safety of our students and staff,” Sullivan said. “In this regard, we appreciate the ongoing efforts of student-athletes, coaches, athletic specialists, athletic coordinators, and all stakeholders across our program to embrace and champion physical distancing and safe practices.”

Please see the attached statement regarding the @MCPS cancellation of the fall & winter sports seasons. https://t.co/EQL5PW6yYG pic.twitter.com/GtIxFfvxXq

— MCPS Athletics (@MCPSAthletics) July 22, 2020

With their high school careers cut short, many seniors will not have the opportunity to showcase their talents to prospective colleges. Many high school athletes rely heavily on breakout senior campaigns to receive scholarship offers.

University of Maryland four-star football commit and rising Quince Orchard High School senior Demeioun Robinson weighed in on MCPS’ announcement on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/chopyoungbull/status/1285683946332860417

Robinson is one of many Montgomery County athletes who will not have the opportunity to compete in their senior year.

Sullivan noted that the county will be providing additional information on sports programs in the coming days.

Related Post:

MCPS to Provide Virtual-Only Instruction Through January 29; Fall, Winter Sports Canceled

Gayles Says ‘Realities Have Changed,’ In-School Learning is Not Safe

Smith Says He Understands Families’ Choices As MCPS Enrollment is Below Projection 

About Alex Argiris

Alex Argiris is a rising junior studying journalism at the University of Maryland. He is a news intern for Montgomery Community Media. He can be reached at aargiris@mymcmedia.org. Follow him on twitter at @argiris_alex

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