Shortly after Pennsylvania Governor?Tom Wolf announced Thursday that all schools in the Commonwealth would remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic school year, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association quickly followed suit in regards to athletics for the spring season.

“In accordance with?Governor?Wolf’s announcement earlier today that Pennsylvania schools will be closed to in-person learning for the remainder of the school year, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association has canceled all remaining winter and spring sports and championships,” the PIAA announced in a statement shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

“Today’s decision by the PIAA?Board of Directors was difficult for everyone. Their thoughts remain on the thousands of student-athletes, coaches, officials and family members affected by this decision,”?PIAA?Executive Director Dr. Robert Lombardi said. “However, the?Board’s position reflects a steadfast priority of keeping our student-athletes, officials and member schools’ staffs and their communities safe, while following the guidelines provided by the Governor, the Department of Health and the Department of Education.”