Inter-Ac League, Home of Elite Swimmers, Postpones Sports Through End of Year
The Inter-Academic League, which features private schools within the Philadelphia city limits and the surrounding suburbs, announced on Wednesday that it is shutting down its sports programs through the end of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision by the league, which has featured competition going back more than 100 years, means – among other things – the winter swim season will not begin on time.
The Inter-Ac League has long been known for producing elite swimmers, with Germantown Academy’s famed program under Dick Shoulberg once dominating the league landscape. In recent years, current Cal-Berkeley standout Reece Whitley was a star at Penn Charter. Each year, Inter-Ac schools are part of the prestigious Eastern Interscholastic Championships.
The Inter-Ac League is hopeful that it will be able to play a fall season after the winter sports campaign, but that possibility will hinge on whether COVID-19 is neutralized and if officials at the schools feel it is safe to operate sports programs. The winter swim season typically runs from December through mid-February, and with the decision to postpone sports at least through Dec. 31, 2020 means the season will be abbreviated at best.
“This decision was made given the unprecedented health concerns we face and in consideration with Gov. (Tom) Wolf’s strong recommendation as well as updated policy recommendations from CHOP Policy Lab,” the league announced in a statement.
Here’s hoping all Inter-Ac swimmers will be able to at least train, even if they cannot compete. Nothing is certain. Every day in the water here in PA is an absolute gift.
Alexis Murray I hope it is only postponed and not cancelled