University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Big Sky Postpones All Fall Sports Competitions to the Spring
8/13/2020 10:00:00 AM | General, Men's Cross Country, Men's Golf, Women's Cross Country, Women's Golf, Women's Soccer, Women's Volleyball, Cross Country
The Big Sky President's Council voted to postpone all fall sports competition to the Spring of 2021
FARMINGTON, Utah - Due to ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Big Sky Conference is postponing all competition for its fall sports to spring 2021. The conference's Presidents' Council convened Aug. 12 to affirm this recommendation from its members' athletic directors.
This decision impacts all Big Sky sports that compete in the fall both for their championship season (men's and women's cross country, soccer, volleyball) and for their non-championship segment (men's and women's golf, softball, men's and women's tennis). Additionally, the Presidents' Council confirmed that non-conference contests will not be permitted in any Big Sky fall sport, including football. The Presidents' Council had decided on Aug. 6 to postpone the 2020 conference football schedule until the spring.
"While I am confident that our conference is making the right decision for the health and safety of our student-athletes, it breaks my heart knowing how disappointing this will be to all of them who were eagerly anticipating the opportunity to compete this fall," Commissioner Tom Wistrcill said. "Our efforts in the conference office now will focus on doing everything within our power to make their spring season the best that it possibly can be, which includes advocating for their NCAA championships to be held then. As campuses begin re-opening this fall, we hope that everyone remains safe and healthy while we continue to learn more about how best to manage this fluid situation and its impact on higher education."
Big Sky institutions may continue with permissible athletics activities at their discretion while abiding by NCAA legislation, campus policies, and local and state regulations. Decisions regarding the Big Sky's winter sports (men's and women's basketball, men's and women's indoor track and field) will be made at a later date.
Statement from Athletic Director Darren Dunn
"We fully support the Big Sky President Council's decision to postpone the fall season. Today is a difficult day as announcing the postponement of our Fall Sports competition to the Spring, 2021. Â We have worked tirelessly with the Big Sky Conference, Staff, Coaches, and local health officials throughout this process and we all feel it's the best overall decision to move these sports to the Spring.
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We are BearStrong and we all will get through this difficult time. Â UNC sports will be competing soon and looking to win many more BIg Sky Championships. Â Now is the time we all rally behind our coaches, student-athletes, and our community. Â WE are BearsStrong."
Statement from Head Volleyball Coach Lyndsey Oates
"We are all understandably disappointed that we won't be able to compete this fall, but we know the decision was made in the best interest of all. We will continue to do our part to get back to a new normal and make the best of the current situation."
Statement from Head Soccer Coach Tim Barrera
"We were all hopeful that we could have a healthy and safe fall season but understand the decision to postpone the season. We have a wonderful team of student-athletes that will continue to prepare to play and continue the great success they have achieved over the last few years. We know that President Feinstein and Director of Athletics Darren Dunn did everything that could to see if we could have a season. We thank them for their efforts and appreciate the desire to compete but most importantly, keep us safe."
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This decision impacts all Big Sky sports that compete in the fall both for their championship season (men's and women's cross country, soccer, volleyball) and for their non-championship segment (men's and women's golf, softball, men's and women's tennis). Additionally, the Presidents' Council confirmed that non-conference contests will not be permitted in any Big Sky fall sport, including football. The Presidents' Council had decided on Aug. 6 to postpone the 2020 conference football schedule until the spring.
"While I am confident that our conference is making the right decision for the health and safety of our student-athletes, it breaks my heart knowing how disappointing this will be to all of them who were eagerly anticipating the opportunity to compete this fall," Commissioner Tom Wistrcill said. "Our efforts in the conference office now will focus on doing everything within our power to make their spring season the best that it possibly can be, which includes advocating for their NCAA championships to be held then. As campuses begin re-opening this fall, we hope that everyone remains safe and healthy while we continue to learn more about how best to manage this fluid situation and its impact on higher education."
Big Sky institutions may continue with permissible athletics activities at their discretion while abiding by NCAA legislation, campus policies, and local and state regulations. Decisions regarding the Big Sky's winter sports (men's and women's basketball, men's and women's indoor track and field) will be made at a later date.
Statement from Athletic Director Darren Dunn
"We fully support the Big Sky President Council's decision to postpone the fall season. Today is a difficult day as announcing the postponement of our Fall Sports competition to the Spring, 2021. Â We have worked tirelessly with the Big Sky Conference, Staff, Coaches, and local health officials throughout this process and we all feel it's the best overall decision to move these sports to the Spring.
Â
We are BearStrong and we all will get through this difficult time. Â UNC sports will be competing soon and looking to win many more BIg Sky Championships. Â Now is the time we all rally behind our coaches, student-athletes, and our community. Â WE are BearsStrong."
Statement from Head Volleyball Coach Lyndsey Oates
"We are all understandably disappointed that we won't be able to compete this fall, but we know the decision was made in the best interest of all. We will continue to do our part to get back to a new normal and make the best of the current situation."
Statement from Head Soccer Coach Tim Barrera
"We were all hopeful that we could have a healthy and safe fall season but understand the decision to postpone the season. We have a wonderful team of student-athletes that will continue to prepare to play and continue the great success they have achieved over the last few years. We know that President Feinstein and Director of Athletics Darren Dunn did everything that could to see if we could have a season. We thank them for their efforts and appreciate the desire to compete but most importantly, keep us safe."
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