Pennsylvania State Champs Being Moved From Bucknell University
According to a report by the Patriot News, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association will move its state championships from Bucknell University’s Kinney Natatorium to Cumberland Valley High School. The move, processed in a vote by the Board of Directors, is being made due to complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because Bucknell has a contract with the PIAA, it must formally agree to the move, but PIAA Associate Executive Director Melissa Mertz indicated that would not be a problem.
Bucknell has long been the home of the PIAA Championships, since the meet relocated from Penn State University, but the university has limitations in place concerning number of athletes allowed on deck and individuals allowed in the stands. Additionally, Bucknell will have students on campus during the dates of the PIAA Championships, which would prevent athletes and coaches from spreading out to practice social-distancing.
The PIAA will holds its diving championships on March 13, with the swimming competitions scheduled for March 19-20. Previously, the number of state qualifiers for the state meet was cut.
The Pennsylvania Champs annually feature some of the fastest times in the nation, and this year’s meet will feature the final high school competition of Josh Matheny, the reigning world junior champion in the 200 breaststroke.