“We basically break even on our state tournament. I’m just concerned that if the MIAA drops us, it’s an open door to cut the program.”

Boys’ gymnastics also has a long and storied history in Braintree, where it has been a mainstay at the high school for more than half a century, according to Ellis. Braintree High has won more than 20 state championships and produced several star athletes, including Kormann, who won the bronze medal at the 1976 Olympic games in Montreal, and went on to coach the US men’s Olympic team.

Regardless of those past successes, Ellis, Baczewski, and other high school boys’ gymnastics coaches now find themselves scrambling to save their programs and figuring out what to do next.

“Gymnastics is such a historic sport,” said Ellis. “It’s been around for so long, and it doesn’t cost a thing, other than coaching. All the schools already have their own equipment.”

Jim DeProfio, the athletic director at Lowell High School, has 52 boys competing in gymnastics this winter. Right now they’re focusing on the season that’s still going, he said.