The LHSAA has decided to end the wrestling regular season.
In a memorandum sent to principals, administrators, athletic directors and coaches Tuesday, the LHSAA stated the measure is meant “to ensure the 2020-21 state wrestling championships will not be affected due to potential COVID exposure and those accompanying rolling quarantines.”
The state tournament is scheduled for Feb. 26-27 at the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge.
The LHSAA’s decision comes on the heels of a COVID-19 outbreak connected to the Louisiana Classic tournament held Jan. 15-16 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzalez. The outbreak was confirmed by the Louisiana Department of Health on Jan. 23.
Louisiana Classic Wrestling Tourney Connected to COVID Outbreak
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Imagine having to choose between chasing your dream (and possible college scholarships) and staying safe from COVID-19. I m not just talking about keeping yourself from contracting the coronavirus responsible for our current pandemic - I m talking about keeping those you might unwittingly infect safe as well. Unfortunately, that s where we are now.
Take the 48th Louisiana Classic wrestling tournament held in Gonzales just over a week ago. According to the Advocate, around 400 wrestlers participated in the competition - and when you add in parents, coaches, officials, and staff that number balloons significantly. As of today, 20 people who were there have tested positive for COVID-19 and that has health officials worried.
Airline sophomore Ernie Perry III won the 113-pound weight division in the 48th Louisiana Classic tournament held Friday and Saturday in Gonzalez.
It was Perryâs second title in the event. He won the 106-pound class last year and went on to win the Division I state title in the same division.
The Louisiana Classic annually features most of top wrestlers in the state.
Parkway senior Hayden Wood finished fourth in the 160-pound class. Parkway junior David Viers was fifth in the 113-pound class.
Airlineâs Christian James made the awards stand with a sixth-place finish in the 182-pound class.