Giant Families,
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced yesterday that the state will move to Tier 3 COVID-19 mitigation measures as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, November 20th. These new restrictions, meant to help slow the state’s ongoing spike in COVID-19 cases, prohibit all group sporting activities. As a result, at the conclusion of practices on Thursday, November 19th, all winter sports will be on pause until further notice. This also includes the HP Running Club and our Giant Strength and Conditioning Sessions which were scheduled to start November 30th.
Please see the IHSA statement below from IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson (11/17/20):
“The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) recognizes that today’s announcement by Governor Pritzker will temporarily pause the IHSA’s winter sports season. We remain optimistic that these new mitigations, coupled with the emergence of a vaccine, will aid in creating participation opportunities in the New Year for IHSA student-athletes in winter, spring, and summer sports. The IHSA Board of Directors will meet as scheduled on November 19, 2020, to continue plotting out potential paths for IHSA sport and activity participation through the remainder of the school year. Although representatives from the Governor’s office and the Illinois Department of Public Health will be unable to attend the meeting, today’s updated guidance from Governor Pritzker will aid the Board’s decision-making. We have asked Deputy Governor Ruiz and Dr. Ezike to engage with us in the near future, so that we can collaborate on developing a plan to safely conduct IHSA sports and activities as soon as possible. IHSA schools have been exemplary in adhering to state regulations throughout this pandemic and we hope that non-school programs will hold themselves to the same standard as we all put the long-term health and safety of our fellow citizens ahead of short-term athletic competition.”
Like all of you, we are hopeful this is a temporary setback and we are back in session soon. Highland Park High School has always used extracurricular activities to build connections and to provide opportunities for growth to all students. That work will not stop during this pause. Our coaches are committed to doing everything we can to support our student-athletes. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to do their part in remaining safe.
Sincerely,
Paul Harris
Interim Athletic Director
