Athletic directors announce the cancellation of large sporting events

THE NORTH COUNTY — This morning at 9:10 a.m. the CIF State governing body announced that all CIF State Championship Basketball games would be canceled due to growing concerns regarding COVID-19 virus. CIF released the following statement regarding the reason for canceling the games:

“This decision was made after careful deliberation and in the primary interest of protecting the health and safety of our member schools, fans, and most importantly, our student-athletes. While we understand this decision is disappointing, we strongly believe that the opportunity to compete in this event does not outweigh our obligation to place the health and safety of our member schools and school communities above all else.”

With CIF deeming it unsafe to play basketball games, the community and local athletes now turn to the schools to see what the next move will be for the North County Athletic Departments in Paso Robles, Templeton and Atascadero.

The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press have reached out to all three of the Athletic Directors requesting information on whether or not games will be played going forward.

Atascadero Athletic Director Sam DeRose said, “Our district administration has been in contact with state and local agencies and will be releasing a statement regarding athletics and extracurricular activities soon.” (statement available here)

Atascadero has stated that the Memorial Track Meet that was scheduled to take place this Saturday (March 14) has been postponed until further notice.

Various sports events across the county other than basketball have begun to see cancelations as the Nipomo Titans FAT Track meet has been canceled while the entire spring season for Cal Poly has been suspended.

Templeton Athletic Director Lindsay Franklin said, “We have no official notice from CIF currently but will proceed following the guidelines put forward by Governor Newsom and will not hold events with more than 250 people present, like today’s track and field meet in Nipomo. Various sports like boys volleyball against St. Joseph tomorrow night are still currently scheduled until further notice.”

Joe Bailey of the Santa Maria Times reported this afternoon that Arroyo Grande Athletic Director Stephen Fields said the Lucia Mar District will cancel all large athletic events through this weekend. Fields also said golf, which includes gatherings of about 30 people, is still scheduled to be played.

The Paso Robles Press has reached out to PRJUSD and are awaiting further comment.

The feeling around the county is that spring high school sports will be suspended or canceled in the next few days if not hours. Check back with the Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News for news and updates.