Regional wrestling will go on as planned; other sports make changes to adhere to state’s pandemic protocols
The WIAA released a series of changes to upcoming championship events, but the biggest news might be that there is no new news to report in regard to regional wrestling championships.
There was talk that regionals were going to be called off this winter, and that state berths were going to be determined at the district/league level. Instead, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association opted to keep regionals.
Still, there are going to be some changes to winter sports. The WIAA Executive Board approved a number of modifications in compliance with the Washington State Department of Health.
As of Wednesday, the WIAA has not made any changes to the state basketball tournaments. Regionals are scheduled for Feb. 25-26. The Hardwood Classic, at three sites across the state, will be March 2-5.
Wrestling
The Mat Classic, at the Tacoma Dome Feb. 18-19, will limit its parade of champions to finalists only. Also, in order to minimize the number of people and traffic flow on the floor, cheerleaders will be restricted to the spectator areas and one-way lanes will be set up for staff.
Bowling
The state bowling championships have been shortened so that each classification can compete in a single day. They will be held at Narrows Plaza Bowl in University Place. Class 3A will compete Feb. 3, Class 1A/2A will roll Feb. 4, and Class 4A will compete Feb. 5. Individual champions will be crowned after four games, instead of the traditional six. Baker games for the team scores will be reduced from 12 to 10.
Cheerleading
Held at Battle Ground High School Feb. 4-5, this is the only WIAA winter state event held in Clark County. This year, the closing ceremonies/parade of teams will not be held. Trophies will be presented virtually on Saturday after everyone has left the facility.
Boys Swimming and Diving
Held Feb. 17-19 at King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way. Diving preliminaries and finals will be held one one day, Feb. 17.
Gymnastics
Reduced to two days, the state meet will have a major change this season at Sammamish High School in Bellevue. The individual finals have been eliminated. Individual champions and placers will be determined based upon a single performance. In the past, gymnasts would qualify for individual finals. The Class 2A/3A gymnasts will compete on Feb. 25, with the 4A gymnasts going on Feb. 26. Of note, Camas has won the past three state Class 4A team titles.
Dance/Drill
In order to minimize congregating between sets, the walkways will no longer be closed at the event held March 25-26 at the Yakima Valley SunDome. Etiquette for dance/drill competitions has prohibited movement around the court during the performance. Spectators will be allowed to sit on the same side with the participants in order to spread out the crowd.
