The season is over for the Evanston Township High School boys basketball team after the Illinois High School Association announced this evening that it’s canceling what’s left of the winter state tournaments because of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement reversed a decision made earlier in the day to countinue the tournament but limit spectators to 60 from each team.
That means the Wildkits will not be playing Friday night at Robert Morris University. ETHS says it will offer refunds to fans who’ve purchased tickets at ETHS at Entrance 3 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and at the Athletic Office from 4 to 5 p.m. on Friday.
The cancellation will also affect other extra curricular events — including Scholastic Bowl, Drama & Group Interpretation, Music, Debate and Journalism.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said multiple schools that had been participating in or hosting the events have been forced to withdraw from those roles leading the organization to opt for cancellation.
Corona Virus impacts
Perhaps after school resumes, there could be a pep rally or community celebration honoring all the ETHS students who worked so hard to represent Evanston well but could not participate in competitions due to the Corona Virus. This includes athletes, debaters, student journalists, etc.
Lots of ETHS alumni live in town and might attend, even if they don’t know any current students. This reminds me of a former ETHS athlete who couldn’t participate in the Olympics a few decades ago because the United States boycotted the games.