Providence Catholic High School Girls Varsity Basketball head coach, Eileen Copenhaver, feels the situation demonstrates a failure in communication within the state she explained in an interview regarding the continuing impasse between Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).
The IHSA Board of Directors is seeking to extend an olive branch after an initial vote of defiance following Pritzker’s reclassification of high school sports, including basketball, from medium-risk to high-risk, effectively delaying the start of the season, according to coverage by the Chicago Tribune. The board’s next meeting is set for this Thurs., Nov. 19, and the board has invited Pritzker to send representatives from his office to attend the meeting and discuss a way forward.
Copenhaver told the Will County Gazette that she was happy with how the IHSA handled things early-on, with good COVID-19-related information and guidance put out by the organization.
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“It provided an opportunity for us to play safely with minimal risk and with the thought of safety for the kids, the coaches, players and fans,” Copenhaver told the I.
Copenhaver stated she was impressed with how well thought-out it was as well.
Yet, a breakdown in communication at higher levels has undermined what everyone had managed to accomplish, said Copenhaver.
"We’re not really working together,” she told the Will County Gazette.
As for the plans at Providence Catholic School, Copenhaver stated that they are still not sure which way a decision will go, but the local county commissioners won’t budge.
"I think that’s the right response at this point,” said Copenhaver.
Between the archdiocese, Pritzker and the state Department of Public Health, and even the conference committee, a call that found them all out could come at any time, she noted, and that’s before the school even ensures any program would be 100% covered by their insurance.
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