Dear Wildcat Family:
As you are probably aware, last week all of our conferences and their Councils of Presidents, in consultation with the Athletics Directors, made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the conference basketball championships and all other winter and spring athletic activities. This includes competitions, community service and practices. In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 global pandemic, these decisions were made with painstaking thought and care for everyone involved. Obviously, particular attention was paid to the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and support staff. We will continue to follow the guidance of the NCAA as well as local, state and federal government officials as we navigate through this ever-changing worldwide health crisis.
While trying to communicate to everyone involved and ensuring that our student athletes know where to go for academic support (since all classes have moved online), I wanted to express my heartfelt sadness to all the athletes who so abruptly found out that their season was canceled. As we know, these talented students spend countless hours challenging themselves in their designated sport and in the classroom. They take such pride in representing the University as they travel all over to make the most of the short time they have to play a sport they love. I have always said that the opportunity to participate in college sports is a once in a lifetime experience, and for so many of our senior athletes especially, this news has been hard to digest.
I also recognize how difficult this must be for the student athletes' families, friends, faculty mentors and University sports enthusiasts who plan their days and weeks around the athletes' sport schedules! The post-game meals and camaraderie shared during the spring season, in particular, is difficult to replace.
As there are still more questions than answers, I just wanted to thank all of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and University family for your support as we navigate this current dilemma. I look forward to the opportunity to invite you back out to enjoy a game, an evening by the fire pit, and a chance to cheer on your Wildcats to another successful season soon!