On Monday morning, the Lebanon R-3 School District, Joel E. Barber C-5 School District and Conway R-1 School District, along with many surrounding school districts, made the decision to shut down schools in response to coronavirus concerns.
The Missouri State High School Activities Association released the following statement in regards to spring sports on Monday afternoon (March 16):
As of today we are not canceling any Spring Sport Championships. The MSHSAA Office will stay in communication with state and local officials to help determine the possibility of holding the championships either as scheduled or rescheduling them as long as schools are still in session.
“If we are able to maintain locations for hosting the championship series, and schools are wishing to participate in the post season, we will conduct the championships,” MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Kevin Urhahn said. “We are not canceling any Spring sports at this time!” Also note that if a school has determined that they are closing for a period of time due to COVID-19, no practices or games should occur during that time. If a school is still in session, then it is the local school’s decision on practices and games.
MSHSAA did however cancel the State Speech, Debate, and Theatre championships along with the remaining District Music Festivals.
For Scholar Bowl, MSHSAA says Districts are not scheduled to take place until April 18th. The possibility more information could be known and new recommendations available by the end of March, it is the hope of the Association the District Tournaments and State Series may be completed.
Lebanon High School activities director Will Christian released a statement to student-athletes, parents and members of the Lebanon community on Tuesday:
“It’s obvious the most important thing is health of our society right now. We are super excited to get things rolling again and we will evaluate everything on March 29. I’m excited that MSHSAA is waiting and evaluating with a focus to have spring championships.”
