Girls basketball players in Pewaukee have been left disappointed after coronavirus concerns caused their state tournament to be canceled.
"We had a great practice last night we were ready to go and then just a gut punch," said Jim Reuter, Head Girl's Basketball Coach at Pewaukee.
That gut punch was the WIAA deciding to cancel the state tournament, nearly 15-hours before they were set to tip off against Beaver Dam.
"These are dreams that they've had since the 4th and 5th grade. They earned the way to get there and then it's just pulled under the rug," said Coach Reuter.
The reason for canceling; public safety, as the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country.
"I think we have a harder time as parents because we want what's best for your kids always. It's disheartening to see the tears come from all the kids getting off the bus today. It's hard for the community the kids and all the fans. It was an opportunity of a lifetime for all these kids," said Dave Schill, father to a senior player.
At the end of the day, these athletes will be known as the first group to take Pewaukee girl's basketball to state.
"In a couple of years, looking back, we have so many memories to tell. and just to see our team grow. I just can't wait to see what our team looks like in a couple of years, coming to watch. So I'm excited for them for the next couple of years," said Kennedy Osterman.
Yet, it doesn't ease their pain.
"Having the support we've had from the community and then to not be able to provide and give to them right now, it almost feels like we are letting them down. But we all know they are behind us," said Lauren Schill, a senior guard for Pewaukee.
"They didn't let anybody down. They lifted us. The way they played against Eisenhower and Puis they lifted this community," said Dave. The WIAA has not released details on a plan to reschedule the tournament.
