Athletic events in Newport Mesa District postponed indefinitely in response to coronavirus

CdM baseball coach Kevin McCaffrey meets with his team after a game last season. (File photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Officials with the Newport Mesa Unified School District, which includes Corona del Mar, Newport Harbor, Costa Mesa and Estancia high schools, have decided to postpone all athletic contests indefinitely in response to concerns about coronavirus.

Schools will remain in session, official said. While no games will be held beginning Friday, teams will still be allowed to practice.

A letter went out to parents and teachers on behalf of Superintendent Dr. Fred Navarro.

Part of the letter read:

“In consultation with other Orange County school districts, NMUSD athletic contests will be suspended, effective tomorrow, March 13, 2020, until further notice. Teams will still be allowed to practice.”

The letter added that there was no reason to close schools at this time, but that “all overnight field trips are canceled or postponed. All other local school events are being evaluated by principals.”

Students and teachers are asked to practice social distancing, according to the statement.

CdM baseball coach Kevin McCaffrey reacted to the news Thursday.

“I’m sad that we can’t compete right now, but the health of our klids and community is our number one priority,” he told OC Sports Zone.

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-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com