Brownstown Central 800-meter runner Halle Hehman was poised to collect her 12th high school varsity letter until Thursday when she learned there would be no spring Indiana track season.
Hehman will not get that chance.
“Senior year is supposed to be unforgettable,” she said. “But not this way.”
The Indiana High School Athletic Association on Thursday afternoon announced the state will conduct no spring sports this year due to COVID-19.
Shortly after Gov. Eric Holcomb announced an extension keeping schools closed in response to the spreading coronavirus, the IHSAA issued a statement supporting the decision.
“The Indiana High School Athletic Association staunchly supports the governor, state commissioner of health and the superintendent of schools,” the statement reads.
Previously, public schools were shut with the hope doors would be open to students May 1. A tentative plan was floated to conduct a condensed sports season with athletes practicing for five days and then beginning competition early next month. That idea is now shelved.
Although formal team practices directed by coaches were not permitted in recent weeks, Hehman was one track participant who steadily worked out on her own. She maintained some faith the season could be saved but was not terribly optimistic.
“I kind of expected it,” she said of the season’s cancellation.
The IHSAA praised officials for “herculean efforts” during the worldwide pandemic.
“The association understands the extreme seriousness of this pandemic, (and) with extreme sadness, we must cancel our spring sports programming,” according to the statement.
Hehman said she learned of the season’s elimination through a text sent by coach Maria Conklin. After competing in volleyball, basketball and track during her four years of high school, Hehman said she does not plan on participating in college athletics at University of Southern Indiana.
“This was four years in the making,” Hehman said of her disappointment in not being able to obtain the maximum of varsity letters. “It’s really tough for us (seniors).”