Eastern Michigan Athletics
Mid-American Conference Delays Start of Fall Olympic Sports Season
7/16/2020 5:01:00 PM | Men's XC, Women's XC, Soccer, Volleyball, General
The MAC will continue to assess the latest developments in weighing the potential impact on fall schedules
CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) -- The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced Thursday that with all due caution for the health and well-being of the student-athletes, coaches and others involved, it will postpone the start of field hockey, men's soccer, women's soccer, women's volleyball and men's and women's cross country competition until Sept. 3, 2020. The decision will provide additional time to prepare for the safe return to competition on an adjusted timeline.
This decision applies to exhibition and non-conference games and will align with the start of football season, allowing all fall competition to begin at the same time.
MAC institutions will continue to follow the guidance of the Conference's COVID-19 Medical Advisory Panel, Council of Presidents and the NCAA's Resocialization of College Sports Guidelines as student-athletes prepare to engage in preseason training for a return to competition.
Rescheduling of non-conference contests impacted by the postponed start of the fall seasons will be determined by each member institution.
The MAC and its member institutions will continue to assess the latest developments related to COVID-19 in weighing the potential impact on fall schedules.
Statement from Eastern Michigan Vice President/Athletic Director Scott Wetherbee:
"We fully support the Mid-American Conference's decision. The health and safety of our students, coaches, staff, and fans has and always will remain our number one priority. We know that many questions still need to be answered, and we continue to work toward finding those answers. As we have since the start of this pandemic, we will continue to work closely with the state of Michigan, the NCAA Resocialization of Sports Plan, the Mid-American Conference, and the University's Public Health Work Group. We all want college athletics back, and need everyone to help us get there by wearing a face covering, washing your hands, and following CDC guidelines to stop the spread."
This decision applies to exhibition and non-conference games and will align with the start of football season, allowing all fall competition to begin at the same time.
MAC institutions will continue to follow the guidance of the Conference's COVID-19 Medical Advisory Panel, Council of Presidents and the NCAA's Resocialization of College Sports Guidelines as student-athletes prepare to engage in preseason training for a return to competition.
Rescheduling of non-conference contests impacted by the postponed start of the fall seasons will be determined by each member institution.
The MAC and its member institutions will continue to assess the latest developments related to COVID-19 in weighing the potential impact on fall schedules.
Statement from Eastern Michigan Vice President/Athletic Director Scott Wetherbee:
"We fully support the Mid-American Conference's decision. The health and safety of our students, coaches, staff, and fans has and always will remain our number one priority. We know that many questions still need to be answered, and we continue to work toward finding those answers. As we have since the start of this pandemic, we will continue to work closely with the state of Michigan, the NCAA Resocialization of Sports Plan, the Mid-American Conference, and the University's Public Health Work Group. We all want college athletics back, and need everyone to help us get there by wearing a face covering, washing your hands, and following CDC guidelines to stop the spread."
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