Two major actions ?regarding sports ?activities across Wyoming came on Thursday because of concerns over COVID-19.
First, the Wyoming High School Activities Association announced the state's basketball tournament in Casper ?has been cancelled. The association initially decided that only players, coaches, staff and officials would be allowed into the tournament this weekend, ?but changed its mind after speaking with health officials.
In a press release, the Casper-Natrona County Health Department said it made the decision "out of an abundance of caution" and that it "recognizes and admires that many people travelled to Natrona County, students and coaches have worked very hard and are very disappointed in this result. However, the health and safety of our community, citizens and visitors is of upmost [sic] priority."
?Meanwhile, the Mountain West Board of Directors suspended all spring sport competitions indefinitely. The first event to be called off would have been the home opener for the University of Wyoming's tennis team Friday. The Cowgirls were set to play Eastern Washington in Laramie after having their first twelve matches on the road.
In a press release, ?league officials said teams currently traveling for games may complete those events before returning to campus. Otherwise, teams that have not yet departed have been asked to suspend travel immediately.
As for the continuation of ?practice and events like spring football, ?that will be decided by individual Universities. Additionally, institutions will decide individually how to handle prospective student-athlete recruitment visits.
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Maggie Mullen, at mmullen5@uwyo.edu.
