After Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday afternoon that schools will not return to physical session in 2020, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) both canceled their remaining spring activities and state championships.

“In an effort to help protect the health and safety of Texans, the UIL is canceling all remaining 2019-2020 spring activities and state championships,” a UIL statement released at 4 p.m. Friday reads. “Practices, rehearsals, and workouts remain suspended until further notice. The previously communicated information allowing remote instruction remains in place.”

“In keeping with (the governor’s) order and the health interests of all involved, TAPPS moves to the conclusion of our Spring activities,” TAPPS’ statement from Friday at 4 p.m. says. “The TAPPS leadership will continue our development of guidelines and parameters for our return to activities over the summer months and into the fall of 2020.”

UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt added they had been working toward resumption, but without schools, their focus is shifting to next year’s competition.

“Our staff had been working hard on plans to resume activities this spring, but without schools in session, interscholastic activities cannot continue,” said Breithaupt. “Our highest priority during this challenging time is ensuring the health and safety of our students and communities and making progress in the containment of COVID-19 in Texas. We are now turning our attention to the 2020-2021 school year.”

TAPPS Executive Director Bryan Bunselmeyer said the executive board and TAPPS staff had been conference calling weekly, similarly working hard for a plan of resumption, but offered his thoughts with those in their final year of competition.

“Thank you to our seniors who have worked hard for not only this spring, but over the last four years,” Bunselmeyer said. “While we can no longer provide an avenue for your senior season to progress to its normal conclusion, we do wish to recognize you as you move to your next opportunities.”