Life has drastically changed for MSHSAA communications director Jason West, and it’s more than just working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Yes, his daily commute is much shorter, shrinking from a 10-minute drive into a few steps from his bedroom to his home office. But more importantly, West’s job is in uncharted territory ever since high school sports in Missouri came to a standstill.
In coordination with health officials, MSHSAA made the decision March 16 to cancel the Show-Me Showdown state basketball tournament for Class 4 and 5 slated for the following weekend. It wasn’t an easy decision, West said, not only because Class 1, 2 and 3 all finished their respective tournaments, but because athletes in Class 4 and 5 who worked hard all season would not receive recognition at the highest stage.