TEXARKANA, Texas - A major decision regarding Texas High School sports was made Thursday by the University Interscholastic League.
The UIL is suspending all Texas high school sports due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to support the health and safety of students and communities.
Texas High varsity girls head track coach Pat Daniels was not surprised by the announcement.
"After Major League Baseball, the NBA and other sports were suspended, I figured it would probably come down to the high school level as well," Daniels said. "I wouldn't want the kids to be affected by the virus. It is better safe than sorry.
"We can still practice and that will help keep the athletes in shape. We have to keep them busy and just do what we've been doing until we can compete again. I am getting the kids where I think we should be competitively, so there is some mixed emotions there in that I wouldn't want any of them to get sick and miss out on competition."
At Pleasant Grove, head baseball coach Riley Fincher feels like it is the absolutely correct decision in the respect of the welfare of the staff and student-athletes.
"We are excited that the UIL stated that it was suspended and not canceled," Fincher said. "We know that health and safety is the first and foremost aspect. We are going to make sure that we do our part to make sure everyone stays healthy.
"If it is in the Good Lord's plans, then we will start back up in two weeks. Our kids will be excited to play. We have been talking about it a lot. Our main focus is to make sure that our team, family and friends are staying healthy. This is a situation in which no one in my lifetime has ever been a part of so we are all in a 'what if' stage. We are going to hope for the best outcome and put our trust in the Lord."