SUNYAC CANCELS 2020 FALL SPORTS; PUSHES START OF WINTER SEASON BACK TO JAN. 1 (2020-07-20)
Valley Sports ReportSYRACUSE "” A week after the Empire 8 canceled its fall season, the SUNY Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) followed suit by suspending fall sports for 2020 in response to the ongoing health and safety concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition, the winter sports conference and non-conference schedules will be delayed until Jan. 1.
The decision was made by the SUNYAC Presidents in consultation with the SUNYAC Board of Directors on Monday, July 20. The SUNYAC Board of Directors is composed of the director of athletics from each of the 10 member institutions - Brockport, Buffalo State, Cortland, Fredonia, Geneseo, New Paltz, Oneonta, Oswego, Plattsburgh and Potsdam.
"Despite the absence of competition this fall, I am confident that we will be able to continue providing our student-athletes with an engaging athletic experience that includes a great opportunity for personal skill development and growth through small group workouts," Mike Howard, the chair of the SUNYAC Governing Body and director of athletics at Plattsburgh, explained. "Our coaches are some of the best in the business at seizing opportunity when options seem limited and this certainly will be no exception as they continue recruiting, mentoring and engaging safely in community service."
The SUNYAC will continue to explore all options for a safe return to intercollegiate athletics.
"As a former student-athlete, I empathize with the disappointment our students must feel not being able to compete this fall," Erik Bitterbaum, the chair of the SUNYAC presidents said. "But our priority is the health and safety of everyone involved with intercollegiate athletics, and we will continue to plan for a safe return to competition at the appropriate time."
