INDIANAPOLIS – Not surprising, but undoubtedly another gut punch to a tough sports day, the Indiana High School Athletic Association announced from its offices Thursday afternoon the definite cancellation to its spring sports season.

In a statement from the IHSAA:

“The Indiana High School Athletic Association staunchly supports our Governor, our State Commissioner of Health and our State Superintendent of Public Instruction in their herculean efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are extremely fortunate in Indiana to have these exemplary leaders providing guidance and care to all Hoosiers.

“With the announcement today of the closure of K-12 schools throughout Indiana for the remainder of the school year, the IHSAA announces the cancellation of all spring sports tournament series events for the 2019-20 school year.

“It is imperative that our students, coaches, officials, administrators and parents be encouraged in every manner to adhere to the guidance provided by our leadership. The Association understands the extreme seriousness of this pandemic and joins in support of current measures being implemented as well as future considerations. In unwavering support yet with extreme sadness, we must cancel our spring sports programming. We join all Hoosiers in anticipation of a triumphant homecoming back to our schools in the fall of 2020 complete with a full complement of IHSAA sports.

“The Association continues to remind its member schools and the general public to follow the guidance of the governor and the Indiana State Department of Health via IN.gov/coronavirus.”

Governor Eric Holcomb announced earlier in the afternoon the formal closing of Indiana schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Holcomb, who made the announcement wearing an IHSAA sweatshirt, announced the closing went into effect immediately and forced the hand of the IHSAA, which was holding out hope of a potential May return to the sports calendar.