The Ivy League announced on Wednesday that it will not participate in any sports this fall:
https://twitter.com/IvyLeague/
“A decision on the remaining winter and springs sports competition calendar, and on whether fall sports competition would be feasible in the spring, will be determined at a later date,” the Ivy League said in a statement attached to their tweet.
The Ivy League’s decision comes a day after WIAA (the high school sports and fine arts governing body in Washington) announced their decision to delay the start of fall sports as a whole.
“It’s the smart move… and the only move that will safely allow a football season of any kind,” Euless Trinity coach Chris Jensen said in an interview with the Dallas Morning News. “The powers that be were all just waiting on someone to make an intelligent decision and have the guts to ‘go first.’”
The Ivy League’s decision is set to impact several Texas high school football alumni who have signed with various Ivy League schools and were expected to begin their freshman seasons this fall. The decision may also impact the rest of college football as well as a potential effect on high school football.
Soon-to-be freshman from around the state have spoken out about the Ivy League’s decision— most are disappointed. “I’m disappointed as a freshman going in that we possibly don’t have the opportunity to play this fall, but I think they have our best interests at heart,” said Mitchell Tyler, a three-star defensive end out of McKinney who signed to play for Yale.
“I think they probably jumped the gun a little too early,” Flower Mount Marcus running back Ty’son Edwards said. “I guess it will give us more time to get prepared and get ready.” Edwards is signed to play with Columbia.
According to TMG Sports, the Ivy League could also be considering shortening its season from 10 games to seven and playing only conference opponents in a spring season that would begin in April and end in mid-May. Though, another belief is that the Ivy League will forgo a 2020 football season altogether and wait until September 2021 to play.
Should the Ivy League go the spring route, Hurst L.D. Bell coach Mike Glaze believes the UIL could copy this model. “Condensing the seasons and playing all sports from December/January to June… not sure that is possible, but I would be interested to hear the plan.” Glaze said.
It’s important to remember that the Ivy League played a huge role in setting the tone for the basketball season back in March as they became the first D-1 conference to cancel both men and women tournaments. A domino effect ensued as the NBA suspended its season followed by major D-1 leagues and finally the NCAA and UIL. It’s possible that the same trickle-down effect will happen for a fall football season.
For now, UIL remains hopeful that there will be a fall football season that begins on time.
