On Thursday, Southland Conference fall sports became the latest casualty in the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Board of Directors mad the decision to postpone league competition in football, volleyball, women’s soccer and cross country.
In a released statement, the conference did speak to an intention to explore fall sports competition in the spring semester.
“After thoughtful consideration, the Southland Conference Board of Directors reached consensus in postponing league competition for our fall semester sports,” Dr. Houston Davis, Board Chair and President of the University of Central Arkansas, said. “Protecting competitive opportunities in a safe manner for our student-athletes was paramount in the review, and a delay to the spring allows campuses and athletic departments to get a better handle on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The Board concluded that an entire fall sports season is not likely, and that a postponement to spring can provide the important opportunities our teams annually seek,” Southland Conference Commissioner Tom Burnett added. “While disappointed that we won’t be playing these sports in the Southland’s 58th year of fall competition, we look forward to a unique spring season of athletics that also includes NCAA postseason opportunities.”
The Southland Conference became the 11th of 13 FCS conferences to cancel fall sports, including football.
Image
Tracey Jagneaux
Sports Editor