Coronavirus: NWAC Touranaments cancelled, spring sports postponed

Grays Harbor men will have to wait another year to play first tourney game in over a decade

By Ryan Sparks • March 13, 2020 1:30 am

UPDATE: Elma and Hoquiam High Schools have suspended extra-curricular activities, including sports programs, through April 24.

The Northwest Athletic Conference made two major announcements this week, canceling the men’s and women’s postseason basketball tournaments on Thursday followed by the postponement of all NWAC spring sports on Friday.

NWAC cancels postseason basketball tournaments

The Grays Harbor Chokers men’s basketball team will have to wait another year to play in its first postseason game in over a decade.

Officials with the Northwest Athletic Conference announced on Thursday that the conference’s men’s and women’s basketball tournaments have been effectively canceled.

The tournaments were scheduled to take place last weekend but moved to locations in Oregon amid coronavirus concerns, including the Chokers men facing off against Everett Community College in Grays Harbor’s first tournament game since the 2007-08 season.

The Grays Harbor-Everett game was rescheduled to take place on Thursday at Clackamas Community College, but citing concerns of public health, the NWAC decided to cancel all remaining men’s and women’s tournament games.

A statement released by the conference is as follows:

With much disappointment, in conjunction with both the Linn Benton Community College and Clackamas Community College administrative teams, it has been decided to cancel the NWAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament.

We have made many efforts to continue the tournament but in the interest of public health the tournament has been cancelled.

We want to acknowledge the hard work of our student-athletes, coaches, and volunteers throughout the season, and especially during the past week.

For more information, visit nwacsports.org.

NWAC postpones all spring sporting events through April 13

In a statement released on Friday, the NWAC has postponed all spring sporting events through April 13.

A press release posted on the NWAC website reads as follows:

The NWAC continues to monitor the spread and the increasing number of COVID-19 cases throughout the country specifically in the Pacific Northwest and understand the impact it is having on our member institutions, and our athletic programs.

After having many discussions with collegiate conference leaders, state leaders, and the NWAC Executive Board, we are following CDC guidelines. In an abundance of caution to prevent community spread of COVID-19 into communities, we have made a difficult decision. Effective immediately the Northwest Athletic Conference has suspended all spring sports competition until April 13, 2020.

Our priority is the safety and health of our student-athletes, staffs, and all of those who play a role in supporting NWAC athletics. We will continue to monitor information from the CDC, state, and local health authorities. As the situation continues, NWAC will act accordingly.

For more information and updates, visit nwacsports.org.

Elma, Hoquiam suspend prep sports

Several local schools have seen mutltiple spring sports events postponed or canceled in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Elma and Hoquiam school districts announced that extra-curricular activities, including sports programs, are suspended through April 24.

The Aberdeen Bobcats have listed more than 30 cancellations/postponements on the 2A Evergreen League website, largely due to school closures at Tumwater and Rochester through April 24.

The Bobcats Boys Soccer Alumni Game is still on for 7 p.m. Saturday at Stewart Field as of Friday afternoon.

Check 2aevergreen.com for the latest updates on Aberdeen High School sports.

Other local schools have had sporting events canceled/postponed due to health concerns. Montesano canceled both its softball and track and field jamborees that were originally scheduled for today and marked the kickoff of the spring sports season for multiple local teams.

Lake Quinault High School has suspended all baseball and softball games until April 27, according to athletic director Keith Samplawski.

For the most updated information on Twin Harbors teams postponements and cancellations, visit 1aevergreen.com (for 1A Evergreen League schools), pacificathletics.org (for 2B Pacific League schools, and maxpreps.com (search for 1B Coastal schools).