It is not known if the quote “Hope Springs Eternal….” – by Alexander Pope (1732) had anything to do with an optimistic outlook of a potential high school lacrosse season. Sarcastically and realistically speaking, we think it only makes sense that during this difficult Spring, where high school sports are a secondary thought to the health and well-being of our communities, that hope can provide us with an optimistic outlook during these dark times.
It is clear that public safety is paramount when it comes to the issue of resuming Spring sports and the 2020 MIAA lacrosse season, however, it does not hurt to express your hope and optimism during these unrepresented times of the Pandemic – COVID-19.
The MIAA board of Directors convened yesterday, March 30th, and came up with the following conclusions.
Here are highlights from the @MIAA033 Board of Director's meeting held earlier today… #gameonmiaa
Stay well. Stay home. pic.twitter.com/EFd0t2aVkD— MIAA (@MIAA033) March 30, 2020
The bottom line is May 4th could present a potential start date to the 2020 MIAA Spring high school lacrosse season – with a June 27th extended date proposed for completion of a postseason tournament. Regardless of your feelings about the MIAA, this is not a time to pile on the association, as they want a season, just like the players, coaches, fans, media, and families. If there is any possible way to make it happen, we believe it will.
Sports are the heartbeat of our communities. The health and well-being of our communities (including their heartbeats) are clearly the priority, but it is not necessary to belittle sports in an effort to be “realistic” about a hopeful opportunity. I have yet to see a high school athletic director, coach or student-athlete express their ignorance about this issue. They are simply holding on to the hope that their passion and love for sports can provide a distraction and return back to normalcy. It is not mutually exclusive to have both hopes. We are seeking hope and hope is a strong motivator during these difficult times. We hope that our communities will remain healthy, strong, safe and vibrant – and we also hope for a high school lacrosse season.
We will continue to provide support for our great game and the student-athletes and their families, as we navigate this uncharted territory.
Here are some additional thoughts and articles (through tweets) from the Massachusetts high school lacrosse community on the issue.
The MIAA extended the deadline for spring sports until 6/27, making it possible for a season and state tournament IF school returns on May 4. While a longshot, it’s a glimmer of hope for athletes https://t.co/KrClFjeYsD
— Nate Weitzer (@nweitzer7) March 31, 2020
Sports trophies and records are fun, but our deepest rewards, lasting memories, and things we miss most are the personal connections.
Being part of a team makes us feel:
– Wanted
– Accepted
– Included
– ImportantNothing does this better, faster, or more reliably than sports.
— Brian Kight (@TBrianKight) March 29, 2020
Seeing quite a few tweets saying spring HS sports are "never going to happen."
a.) You might be right
b.) But until someone (the governor) says otherwise, MIAA is doing what it can.
c.) Is it really more important to say "I told you so" rather than give kids a shred of hope?— Jim Clark (@In_The_Slot) March 30, 2020
An open letter to the MIAA Board of Director from girls lacrosse players throughout the state https://t.co/xaNhaRVj4G
— Danny Ventura (@BostonHeraldHS) March 29, 2020
A letter from @MedGlax & @Med_Lax Captains sent to the @MIAA033 asking for flexibility and creativity as it meets today to decide on the potential for 2020 season and tourney.🙏🥍 pic.twitter.com/Vna4uQ214v
— Medfield HS Lacrosse (@Med_Lax) March 30, 2020
We still have a heartbeat . Spring Sports start date is May 4th . End of season date June 27th per @MIAA033
Be well, stay safe. We will keep you posted! pic.twitter.com/yX93KpJG7H— CCHS Raiders (@CCRaider_sports) March 30, 2020
