It seemed like a foregone conclusion that the WIAA was going to have to cancel the Spring Sports season and tournaments during their virtual videoconference meeting yesterday.
The cancellation is in support of Governor Evers’ ongoing efforts to prevent, suppress and control the spread of the COVID-19 disease.
All public & private K-12 schools are closed for the remainder of the 2019-’20 school year.
Lincoln High School varsity baseball coach Bruce Steinbecker told us he “applauds the WIAA decision for holding out hope for a long time…trying to salvage some type of Spring schedule.” He admitted he’s most concerned with everyone’s safety, adding the health & welfare of all is the prime concern.
Steinbecker explained they’ve been doing virtual meetings weekly, making sure his players are okay mentally, especially the seniors having their high school career coming to an end. He’s encouraging them to focus on those photo albums, treasuring those times in a Ships uniform a year ago & keeping their spirits up.
The teacher/baseball coach credited such people as Superintendent Mark Holzman and Strength/Conditioning Coach Matt DeMarco for staying connected with the athletes. Steinbecker added Athletic Director Dave Steavpack has been “absolutely amazing” in reaching out to all Spring coaches at school, showing ways to connect with their athletes, and even reaching out to the students to check on them and keep them engaged.
To help ease the sting of the loss of sports, the state association has installed 30 out of season contact days this summer, effective July 1st, allowing coaches to work with Spring athletes in grades 9-thru-12. Steinbecker explained that he & his coaching staff are getting input from the players this week before assembling a summer plan that’ll see them compete in some fashion & provide the 2020 graduates with “some positive memories.”
He also encourages all of his players to participate in Legion baseball, should organizers decide to hold a summer season, and that decision should come early next month. Meanwhile, Steinbecker’s son, Justin, tells us he “never saw this coming”, believing he’d be able to play some part of his senior season.
He’s missed seeing his teammates this spring and the cancellation means he won’t be able to play for his Dad, who’s been his coach since 2nd grade. Justin, Lincoln’s varsity shortstop admitted “it’s difficult” and is hoping to compete for either the Ships or Legion baseball this summer, but is awaiting more information.
After graduation, he will attend UW-Milwaukee and major in Psychology.
