November 4, 2020
Hi Everyone,
The Glenn D. Loucks Games Executive Committee and I are hopeful that you,
your families, colleagues and teams are well and in good health. Indeed, we are
experiencing trying times.
On the evening of October 26th , the Loucks Games Executive Committee had a
Zoom meeting at which the future of the 2021 Games was a major topic. I outlined, going
forward, that there are three possible paths for the Games.
First, the rose-colored-glasses-on approach: the Games would remain the exact
same, with teams coming from all of the ten to eleven states and several provinces that
they usually come from. Honestly, with numbers of virus cases rising all over the region,
this scenario seems unlikely.
Second, sadly, the 2021 Games would meet with the same fate as the 2020 Games
and have to be canceled. Wow, I hated writing that last sentence.
Third, and probably most likely, hopefully the Games will go on with changes, which
could range from slight changes to major ones. On that theme, first off, it is difficult in
November to predict what life will be like in May. But we are looking into alternate
schedules and other possible changes.
New York State will determine whether people from other states can freely travel
to New York, that travel either having quarantines periods or not. Clearly, the decisions
of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) dictate any actions that we
could take. The Governor of New York and the New York State Public High School
Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) could make determinations about travel among
Glenn D. Loucks Games
May 6-8, 2021
White Plains High School
550 North Street
White Plains, NY 10605
Fred Singleton - Meet Director
theloucksgames@gmail.com
(914) 422-2314
www.theloucksgames.org
regions of New York State. With the guidance of the NYSDOH, the Governor and
NYSPHSAA from what locations could people arrive in White Plains?
We at Loucks
also will have to adhere to the policies of the Board of Education of White Plains. Just
how many people will they be comfortable having on campus at one time?
At the Zoom meeting I told the group that it might not be until late March or early April
that we know if there are Games or not, and from what states I can accept entries. But
keep in mind, clearly your states, school districts, and you, the coaches, have the ultimate
say in your plans. Will your state allow travel to New York? How about your school?
Many of you travel from great distances -- would you feel comfortable in a vehicle
traveling several hours to get here. Parents would enter into this equation too, as they
might not want their children traveling. Do you feel comfortable bringing your athletes to
White Plains for overnight travel?
Please keep in mind that any future decisions are not intended to be taken
personally. If I am told that athletes from a particular state or several states cannot attend,
please don't take it as a slap in the face from the Games. Likewise, if you communicate
that you have decided (or it has been decided for you) not to come to White Plains, we
will understand. Yes, these are trying times.
Judging from how the local cross country season has played out so far, there
seems to be an emphasis on local competition only. It is hurtful to think that many of our
favorite out-of-state programs would not be with us for a second straight year. If that
becomes the case, and if Loucks is only allowed to host teams from our local area, we
will have the meet -- trophies and all. However, entries from local schools might be
greatly limited. Events might be eliminated. Hours of participation might have to be
factored into things. We will gain some insight as we see how many of the indoor meets
are run this winter.
Yes, there are more twists than a pretzel factory.
Finally, the Committee and I wish you and yours great safety and health. Please
look for a follow up letter in late January or early February. Have a safe Thanksgiving
and Holiday Season.
Good luck to all of you.
Fred Singleton -- Meet Director