IHSA Broadcast Friday, Rallies To Resume IHSA Sports Set

The RFD Radio Network will run a two-hour Illinois High School Association special broadcast Friday, September 18 from 7:07 p.m. to 9 p.m. We'll carry the broadcast live on 979 XFM.

The program will be hosted by Jim Taylor in a town hall format involving IHSA staff members Craig Anderson, Sam Knox, and Matt Troha. The panel will discuss the dynamics of moving forward with high school sports and activities in the new school year and the unique challenges that lie ahead for IHSA member schools.

DeLoss Jahnke will also be joining the broadcast.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson issued a statement to help clear the air regarding the content of a letter he issued to Governor Pritzker and Deputy Governor Ruiz:

"With support from the IHSA Board of Directors, I issued a letter on September 10 to Governor Pritzker and Deputy Governor Ruiz that seeks permission for the IHSA and its Sports Medicine Advisory Committee to resume control over determining the resumption of IHSA sports and activities. However the content of that letter has been greatly misconstrued on social media in a short amount of time.

There has been no discussion, let alone proposed timelines for resuming any sports at this time. Should our office receive a positive response from government officials, it could result in the IHSA reexamining its previously released season schedules as well as postseason schedules for the 2020-21 school year.

It is important to note that, under the leadership of Governor Pritzker, Illinois has attained one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in the country. Additionally, several surrounding states have successfully conducted sports categorized as medium and high risk here in Illinois and we believe sports and activities are safest when conducted under the IHSA safety protocols by school personnel. Those combined factors led us to issue this letter and we will respectfully await a response to it.

Ths IHSA is not involved in any planned protests this weekend related to high school sports. If protests occur, we encourage all attendees to be safe, smart, and respectful."

There have been protests planned Saturday in Springfield and Chicago called #Let Us Play Rally. 

The Springfield rally will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at the State Capitol-Lincoln Statue, 401 S. 2nd Street while the Chicago rally will be held from 10-11 a.m. at James A. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street.

Those attending are asked to wear a mask, bring appropriate signs, and wear your team's jersey or spirit wear. All athletes, parents, friends, and fans are welcome.

You may also call or email your state representatives Wednesday, September 16, and Thursday, September 17.