OFSAA Track and Field cancelled for 2020

OFSAA announced on Tuesday morning that all of their spring championships would be cancelled for the 2020 season. This includes the 2020 track and field championship that was set to take place at the University of Toronto’s Varsity Stadium in June.

RELATED: 3 things Mohammed Ahmed wants high school runners to know

BC spring season also suspended

Ontario isn’t the only province suspending school activities. While the BC Athletics Championships haven’t officially been cancelled, a memo was sent last week suspending the spring season of play indefinitely.

What about recruiting?

For many runners, their high school championship is the biggest and best opportunity of the year to be recruited. Many coaches visit these events in hopes of connecting with young runners, and making plans for school visits. While there will be no national or provincial championships this year, runners can still connect with coaches online.

Bob Westman is the sprints coach at the University of Toronto who says that thankfully, most of their recruiting has been completed for fall 2020. “Luckily, all but a few of our recruits have already been to visit and applications are in. Now, it’s about being available to answer questions and provide guidance during this process. All of our support staff are still working, just remotely.”

However, if athletes are in grade 11 or 12 and looking to run on a school’s track team in the fall of 2022, Westman encourages them to reach out. “Almost all coaches have their email addresses online. Send an email or an interest form. For now, all campus tours will happen virtually.”

Athletes should send in their personal bests (distance runners can also include their cross-country results), to intended program of study and a little bit about themselves. If it seems like they could be a fit for a particular program, coaches will set up a call.

RELATED: Questions to ask when you’re being recruited