The bell tolled for the Connecticut high school spring sports season on Tuesday when Gov. Ned Lamont ordered in-school learning canceled for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. Connecticut became the last state in the country to cancel spring sports.
Bristol Eastern softball had dreams of a state title, but those are now gone.
“Heartbroken for 4 incredible seniors who have been impactful since they burst into the scene freshmen year,” coach Scott Redman wrote on the team’s Twitter account. “Erin Tay Lauren and Hack you’ve made a lasting impact and didn’t get a fair shot this year. Keep your heads up and know you’re champions in our eyes.”
The inevitable news was met with plenty of sadness from area coaches on social media. Here is a collection of some of those posts:
- “It was inevitable but that doesn’t make it any easier. Feel sorry for senior student athletes at all CT schools especially those at Waterbury Career Academy as well as the coaches of all spring sports.”
– WCA girls basketball coach Stephen Barbieri via Twitter - “We all knew this was coming, but it’s devastating nonetheless. To our seniors, Danielle, Erica, Kristina, & Julia: I am so proud of you & how you’ve handled this unprecedented adversity. You are incredible CAPTAINS & role models. We love you & we’ll miss you.”
– Bristol Central girls tennis coach Sara Wodatch via Twitter - “I am heartbroken today. I wish the outcome could’ve been different. I wish we were well into our season, winning games, and laughing with one another each day. More importantly I’m just glad you are all staying safe. Miss you all so very much.”
– Bristol Eastern girls lacrosse coach Kayla Policarpio via Twitter - “Although we all had a feeling it was coming, it’s official as of today. I am sorry to all my seniors you all worked extremely hard and deserved better than this. But safety is the number one priority.”
– Bristol Central boys tennis coach Jeremy Sloate via Twitter - “Unfortunate as this is, surprising it is not. Our seniors have been a driving force in the recent shift in the program’s success. Their mark will be felt for years to come. Thank you!”
– St. Paul boys lacrosse coach Chris Kennedy via Twitter - “Heartbroken for everyone but especially our seniors. Makayla, Ashleigh, Julia, Georgia, Haley, Liz, and Steph…you guys were set to have a great season and never got the chance. We will miss you incredibly. Always part of the family!”
– Bristol Central girls lacrosse coach Kyle Phelan via Twitter - “Sad day for all spring student athletes across the state. We feel terribly for our talented group of seniors who have contributed so much to the success of our program. It is not the way you wanted the season to end, but keep your heads up, you all have much more to accomplish.”
– St. Paul baseball coach Vic Rinaldi via Twitter - “It’s hard to find words right now for the entire situation. Teachers knew this day was coming, and we all dreaded it. But just like that it’s over. No see you next years, no shaking their hands or big hugs to the seniors as they walk across the stage, no field trips, no proms. All of the fun things that we do extra as teachers, just gone. I’ll miss these seniors, and I’ll miss that they never got the proper goodbye.”
– WCA softball coach/teacher John O’Toole via Facebook
