The Iowa Association of Track Coaches held their annual Spring Meeting in a virtual manner on May 20, 2020 with a record number of members in attendance. The IATC was joined by guests from the IATO, the IHSAA, and the IGHSAU. There were many highlights from the meeting including multiple committee reports and updates, the passing of updated IATC By Laws, the passing of adapted Cross Country Team Rankings Guidelines, and improvements and changes to the IATC Exchange Zone Podcasts and business development in the future. Minutes from last night’s meeting will be posted to the IATC website upon completion.
The IATC was able to honor Academic All-State Awards for the 2020 season. This prestigious award is given to nominated seniors from member schools who have a 3.8 or higher GPA, have scored 28 or higher on their ACT composite score, and were a qualifier/alternate at the 2019 state track & field meet. Congratulations to the 90 student-athletes who have already been named IATC Academic All-State. Additional nominations continue to be submitted daily. These award winners can be found here: https://www.iowarunjumpthrow.com/track-and-field/track-field-all-state/academic-all-state/2020-track-academic-all-state-recipient-1/
The IATC is extremely disappointed that the Iowa high school track & field sanctioned season was cancelled on April 17th in a decision that was made by the IGHSAU and the IHSAA in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Education and state government officials. While summer sports were “suspended” until June 1, all spring sports in Iowa were cancelled for the remainder of 2020 at that time.
The IATC has inquired about clarity on the recently announced no-contact rule that is tentatively set to be lifted on July 1 for all off-season contact with athletes. Per Gary Ross, Associate Director of the IGHSAU: “As Dr. Ann Lebo, Director of the Iowa Department of Education, mentioned again on the conference today, similar to what has been in “re-opening” Iowa – in a phase in process, she is doing the same regarding school activities – she initially is phasing in the summer sports (softball and baseball) with practices only for 2 weeks without fans – the 2nd phase of this is to have games and competitions with fans social distancing – the 3rd phase of this is to open up the other activities and school facilities for person to person contact on July 1. More information will be provided to coaches, administrators, and schools about the “Virtual” Contact that will be allowed beginning on June 1 for non-in-season sports. Hopefully this will help coaches to provide workouts for the athletes, teaching of skills and drills, etc. – just no in-person contact until July 1.”
The IATC has also asked for guidance on possible track & field competitions throughout the remainder of the summer that would follow the restrictions and guidelines that are currently in place. As more information on the matters above is collected; the IATC is continuing its tentative plan to host an All-Comers Track & Field Meet on July 11th at a to be determined Central Iowa location. Details of this meet are still being resolved and will be released when they are solidified.
As we navigate through these unprecedented times, the IATC will continue to advocate through the proper channels for track & field and cross country programs and student-athletes across our great state.
Jared Fletcher
IATC President
