Ohio Athletic Conference Official Announcement | BW BE Safe | OAC COVID-19 Q & A
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio -- Amidst continued concerns about COVID-19, the Ohio Athletic Conference and the Ohio Athletic Conference Presidents' Council has postponed all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) intercollegiate athletics competition through December 31, 2020. The Conference is committed to moving NCAA intercollegiate competition to the spring, with various models being currently discussed.
While competition will not occur in Fall 2020, the Conference is planning a robust engagement of student-athletes during the fall semester with conditioning and preparation for competition according to CDC guidelines and NCAA criteria in conjunction with local health guidelines.
"The OAC believes we can continue to provide an excellent experience for our student athletes," said Tim Gleason, Commissioner of OAC, "while continuing to make the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, families, fans and campus communities our highest priority."
The fall sports that have intercollegiate competition postponed include cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and volleyball. The winter-season sports of basketball, indoor track and field, swimming and diving, and wrestling will also have intercollegiate competition postponed during the 2020 calendar year, with plans to resume in January 2021.
"This is not what we would have wanted for student athletes, coaches and the entire BW family," said Interim Director of Athletics John Snell '87. "The decision to move the fall sports to the spring was based on what is best for our student-athletes, but also what is in the best interest of our entire campus community. We are certainly disappointed that we won't have that incredible fall college sports experience that our campus looks forward to every year. We understand how difficult it is for our student-athletes and coaches, but we are exploring opportunities within NCAA and OAC guidelines to provide as many opportunities we can for their involvement and development in their respective sport. With our rich tradition and history of athletic excellence, we are committed to carrying on our mission of building our athletes into champions in life and athletics."
The BW varsity experience, including leadership development, strength and conditioning and other team programming can continue regardless of conference and NCAA scheduling decisions. BW will emphasize safe preparation for the next season so that our student-athletes remain mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared to perform at their best ability.
