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Morgan Academy will not get an opportunity to defend their AISA state golf and tennis championships because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The AISA officially ended the spring sports season this week for baseball, softball, golf, soccer, tennis and track. The Senators were going for a third straight golf crown and fourth consecutive tennis titles each in boys and girls.

AISA Executive Director Michael McClendon sent a letter to its schools, coaches and student-athletes, notifying them of the cancellation. The AISA suspended spring sports from March 13 to April 17 before making a decision after Gov. Kay Ivey’s Safe at Home Order on Tuesday.

“When we suspended athletics, we were hopeful that our coaches and student-athletes would soon be able to return to competition,” McClendon said. “We spent numerous hours considering scenarios in which competition could resume and champions could still be crowned.

“As time moved on and state officials extended restrictions, we altered our contingency plans accordingly while remaining hopeful for a return. However, the time has come for us to make another difficult decision. Based on Governor Kay Ivey’s recent Order of Public Health and guidance from health professionals, we do not see a path to resume athletics for the spring sports season.”

Morgan Academy fields teams in golf, tennis, track, baseball and softball. MCS has baseball, softball and track squads.

Jay Minter, who coaches both Morgan Academy soccer teams, said he assumed the spring sports season was complete in March.

“I had resigned myself to the fact that spring sports were over a month ago,” Minter said. “I just hope we are able to have summer practice for all sports and that fall sports get to have their seasons.”

Morgan Academy track and boys basketball coach Luke Hutcheson said he’s sad for the senior athletes and praised the leadership of the AISA during the coronavirus outbreak.

“It’s definitely heartbreaking for student athletes, especially the seniors,” Hutcheson said. “Our association did a great job handling this situation and made the best decision for the safety of our state. We look forward to moving on and coming back stronger in the fall.”