GISA, Piedmont Academy Still Hope To Restart Spring Sports

While nothing is official there remains a possibility spring sports could begin again for the Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA).

Piedmont Academy is a member of the GISA and is awaiting word from officials on when, and if, spring sports for 2020 will be back. For the spring sports season Piedmont competes in baseball, track, golf, tennis and girls soccer. There are also junior varsity and middle school baseball teams.

Last week the GISA issued a statement following Governor Brian Kemp’s order to enter phase one of President Trump’s plans for re-opening American.

“With this new order, we continue to remain encouraged and optimistic for some semblance of a spring sports season in the GISA,” the statement said.

GISA officials said more information will be available after the shelter-in-place order expires on April 30.

“As always, the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and families should be the governing factor in all our decisions in this unprecedented time,” officials said.

Piedmont Academy Athletic Director Mary Catherine Sikes said earlier this week there have been no additional updates from the GISA since that statement was released.

As far as Monticello High School goes, previously Governor Kemp ordered all public schools to remain closed in terms of on-site classes for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. This means no extra-curricular activities will be allowed, including sports.

MHS competes in numerous spring sports including baseball, track, tennis, golf and soccer. Athletes were only able to compete in a small portion of their spring sport seasons but GHSA officials have stated seniors would not be granted an extra year of eligibility.

At this point there has still been no announcement concerning football and other fall sports for the GHSA. Spring practice for football will not be held and coaches are hoping to be able to return to workouts and summer practice sessions by July 1 if not earlier.

Football is the biggest revenue sport for local high school athletics and even losing one or two home games this fall would be devastating to the athletic department budgets. The Jasper County School System is still trying to complete work on the new athletic complex.