The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has announced that the football state championships, previously set to take place at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium this Saturday, will be postponed due to an impending snowstorm that will lead to the university closing its campus. This decision marks an unprecedented event in the 51-year history of the state playoffs.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson released a statement confirming that the Class 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A championship games will not occur on November 29 as planned, but are expected to be rescheduled shortly. Anderson expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of the participating schools and communities while the IHSA works to find the best solutions for the affected teams.
Importantly, the IHSA confirmed that no games will be held on Sunday as they explore alternative venues for hosting the championships. Phil Segroves, athletic director for Mount Carmel, stated that while it has been confirmed that the ISU venue is unavailable, the future location for the games remains undetermined. The IHSA is currently assessing possible sites for the state finals to ensure a safe environment for players and fans.
The teams affected and their matchups include:
– Class 5A: St. Francis vs. Providence
– Class 6A: Fenwick vs. East St. Louis
– Class 7A: St. Rita vs. Brother Rice
– Class 8A: Mount Carmel vs. Oswego
As preparations continue to determine the new arrangements, there is hope that the excitement of the championships will be preserved, allowing these talented teams to compete for the title in the near future.