Pittsburgh Public Schools will begin high school winter sports at end of month

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Public Schools announced that high school winter sports will begin on Jan. 25.

The start will be just ahead of the phased-in return of students to in-person instruction on Jan. 27.

Pittsburgh Public School parents created a petition as a final plea to get schools officials to allow winter sports this season, and they got what they wanted.

“I have college coaches contacting me wanting to see my seniors play and I don’t have an answer,” Alderdice Basketball coach Devin Crummie said last week. But this week he does.

The District 8 Athletic Committee recommended to postpone the start of winter sports until at least February 1.

On Monday, Pittsburgh Public Schools made its decision and announced high school winter sports.

Just two days before students are supposed to start heading back into classrooms.

“As a lifelong athlete, I understand the desire to want to let students play. We also must keep the safety of our students and staff a top priority,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony Hamlet. “A Jan. 25 start date will allow enough flexibility in the schedule to ensure students have the opportunity to compete in City League championship games and any follow-up state competitions. I want to thank the District 8 Committee for their thoughtful recommendations that continue to guide decision-making during this most unusual time for our sports program.”

The district said schedules will be available before the first day of practice, and that all teams will follow COVID-19 guidelines.

It said they will also continue to monitor the spread of coronavirus in Allegheny County to determine if and when any spectators will be allowed.

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Cox Media Group