Rain played havoc with the early part of the spring high school sports season in Mississippi. Now that the weather is more agreeable, all public schools in Mississippi are closed until at least April 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic and the Mississippi High School Activities Association has shut down all athletics and activities until at that date.
The result is a lot of missed events for the four Winona High School spring sports teams – baseball, softball, track and tennis – and uncertainty about the future.
When will the seasons resume, if ever?
“Hopefully, we will have a season, but every day I have a little less hope,” said track coach Chris McRae. “At this point, I'm hoping that we even have a season.”
Organized practices and coaching are not allowed during these two weeks, but track athletes, unlike athletes in team sports, can work out on their own. “The message I sent to them was to do the best you can to stay in shape. The season is not over yet,” McRae said.
The tennis team had matches scheduled with Senatobia and Ruleville Central March 26 and 30. Because Winona, Senatobia and Ruleville are the only teams in Region 3-3A, coach Lance VanHorn said the Senatobia and Ruleville matches probably will have to be rescheduled when and if play resumes.
“I have a feeling they (MHSAA) might say just play your district matches and go from there.”
The 3-A playoffs were scheduled to begin April 13. The top two teams in 3-3A would qualify.
VanHorn said his players could play on their own during the down time. “I’m not going to suggest that. But they’re free on their own if they want to play with mom or dad or if a couple want to play together.”
The baseball and softball teams both lose a number of games, including Region 3-3A games.
MHSAA hopes to salvage spring sports championships, but schedules might will have to be changed if schools reopen.
Track was scheduled for district meets April 11, region meets April 18, North and South April 25 and the state meet May 1 and 2. For softball, region tournament are set for April 24 and 25, with playoffs beginning April 27 and 28, Baseball playoffs are scheduled to begin April 30.
