The reigning 2A state champions in the state of Florida, Pine Crest School, will not be back in 2020 to defend its boys and girls state titles. The school made the decision it would not participate in any competitive sports this fall in a release sent out to families, despite the fact the FHSAA announced on Monday that athletics would be given the green light to return to practice next week.
“P.E., swim, and tennis will be offered for Lower, Middle, and Upper School students when it is safe and prudent to do so. For Middle and Upper School students, coaches will continue to provide individual, specialized, and small group training before, during, and after school. Like many independent school and collegiate teams, Pine Crest will not participate in Middle and Upper School competitive sports in the fall,” the school said in a detailed continuous learning plan.
Pine Crest School will welcome students back to campus on August 19 with numerous protocols in place to help maintain a healthy environment, and students will have the option to complete school online or in the classroom.
This is a huge blow to the 2A state swimming and diving championships as Pine Crest dominated both the boys and girls meets last season, winning their first 2A title after competing in 1A in years prior. Pine Crest is coached by two-time Polish Olympian Mariusz Podkoscielny, and has not been able to hold organized practice due to Florida’s rising coronavirus cases. In Broward County alone, there have been over 1,000 new confirmed cases and 12 new deaths, according to The Miami Herald.
How sad for those swimmers. It’s awful that the state isn’t accommodating these hard working athletes.
From what I read in the above article, the state actually gave the OK to participate, it is the school saying they are choosing not to have fall sports. I agree it is sad as I would think they could implement some safety protocols to make sure competitions stay safe especially in the sport of swimming.
Problem is the safety protocols would not be able to be met. As an AD at another school, we would not have the space of lanes with so many kids to meet the requirements that need to be met. Very tough situation for all right now. Believe me we want sports.
Pat Bobanic Tim Bobanic