IHSA cancels remaining winter state tournaments over COVID-19 pandemic; Tomcats' season endsIHSA cancels remaining winter state tournaments over COVID-19 pandemic; Tomcats' season ends

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced on March 12, 2020, that it has canceled its remaining winter State Series postseason tournaments, including Boys Basketball, Scholastic Bowl, Drama & Group Interpretation, Music, Debate and Journalism, over concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The complete release is on the IHSA website.

Coach Rick Robinson, completing his third season, expressed his thoughts on the Tomcats’ special season, the fans, and the improbable end to the season.

“First, we would like to thank all of the fans, staff, and administration for their  support this season,” said Robinson. “Their support seemed to bring life to the entire East side community.”

Robinson doesn’t deny the sting of the way the season ended.

“The current health situation, and IHSA’s decision, hits our kids very hard, leaving the season incomplete, and wondering what if or could have been.”

Still, Robinson takes solace in knowing they had a successful season.

“We had a great year, a 24-10 record, we beat West Aurora twice, earned 2nd in the Conference and won our Regional Championship, said Robinson.

“Our team finished in the top 16 in the State. We will lose four seniors this year, but the returners that we have, the future will be bright.”

Congratulations to head coach Rick Robinson, assistant coaches Damon Patterson, Tyrone Savage, Jabari Harrell, Justin Johnson, and managers Mercedez Gonzales and Naraly Vasquez.

District 131 salutes Tomcat varsity boys basketball student-athletes: Jillian Acosta, Amarion Savage, JaShaun Hurston, Dontae Holmes, Jacques Kelly, Tarone Kirkwood, Jabian Acosta, Antonio Smith, Darnelle Betts, Tahjir Jordan, Eddy DeAlba, Chris Alvarado, Stephon Dorsey, Ralph Clark, Enrique Perez, and Ibrahim Koroma.

As the basketball season comes to a close in a most unprecedented way, District 131 salutes the Tomcats for an incredibly successful 2019-20 basketball season. The team has captured the hearts and attention of Tomcat Nation.