Corona Free Throw Challenge

There are a bunch a challenges and contests going on right now on social media. It's a way to pass the time and have fun with people while social distancing as we all deal with being isolated during this Coronavirus (COVID_19) outbreak.

I was challenged by former Norwalk HS basketball coach and founder of Triple Double Basketball Training Tom Keyes to the Corona Free Throw Challenge. It's pretty simple, you need to make five basketball foul shots in a row.

Let me rephrase, the rules are simple, and the challenge was simple for some. Not so much for others (ME!)

This was NOT, "one-take Sailer." The "outtakes are not pretty. Luckily, they have been deleted from my phone as I had to free up space. It took me a couple days to get this done. It was fun and got me out of the house for a little while so overall it was a success.

#CoronaFreeThrowChallenge pic.twitter.com/vLcjB9uIw2

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) March 22, 2020

I had multiple people say some of these shots should not count because I "banked" them in. They went in, that's all that matters. I swoosh or a bank all count the same. It jut doesn't look as pretty.

I challenged a few of the Ludlowe basketball players, but I challenge anyone who wants to have some fun. Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

Winter Sports Are Over In CT

"The Z" at Wilton following the FCIAC boys basketball semifinals

On Tuesday morning, history was made in CT HS sports. And it wasn't good. The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC), the governing body of high school sports in CT made the decision to cancel all winter state tournament games due to the Coronavirus.

First off, I am heartbroken for the student-athletes, whose seasons - and for the seniors, careers - come to an end abruptly. These teams work all year, and even after playing in conference tournaments, prepare to play in a state tournament, and can't play. I would rather play a game and lose and the season come to an end, than have the season come to an end like this. It's also about the coaches, and other people involved who have put so much time and effort into the season, just to have it end.

It's about all the teams and all the schools. I know I have certain schools and teams I am closer to, but as someone who works in high school athletics and coaches, it hurts to see any student-athletes deprived of an opportunity to play in a state tournament and play more games in the season.

I understand that the CIAC is trying to be extra-cautious to keep people safe and healthy. In my opinion, and I know a lot of people agree, the games should have been played without spectators. Especially for basketball, but other sports also, you could play a game with approximately 50 people or less in the gym, ice rink, natatorium, etc. You could have a reporter or broadcaster (video or audio only) or just someone Tweeting from each game to provide updates. A lot of schools have NFHS Pixellot cameras installed in their gym and schools could show the games on those, as another option.

The CIAC got a lot of backlash on social media today, from players, coaches, AD's and media. It's a tough call but they are supposed support the athletes and coaches and schools, not hurt them. I love that teams also decided to continue to practice today, despite the fact that the season is over*

These kids sure as hell don’t want it to end #tcc pic.twitter.com/zfEPvuTcHC

— LudloweHoops (@LudloweHoops) March 10, 2020

*There is a petition out there to allow the games to be played with no spectators.  I'll be honest, I don't think there is much of a chance of it happening. We are done with winter sports for 2019-2020.

Oh and the fact that schools are still open (for now) but they cancel the games is interesting. Kids can sit in class and teachers and staff can work and deal with students but athletes can't play games and coaches can't coach their athletes though the end.

We will see what happens with spring sports, as of now they are on as planned.