A10 postpones fall sports, UD football moves to conference-only schedule
The Atlantic 10 conference announced they would postpone all fall competitions and championships, the latest domino to drop in the sports world as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Peter Burtnett
Sports Editor
The Atlantic 10 conference Friday morning announced the postponement of all scheduled fall competitions and championships due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Regarding athletics at the University of Dayton, this announcement directly affects: men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, and volleyball, along with the cancellation of UD football’s home opener against Robert Morris and the fall competitions for men’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis, and women’s rowing. Non-traditional competitions for baseball and softball in the fall are also postponed.
The announcement by the A10 established a 60-day “look-in window,” which will take place in mid-September, when league official will reevaluate the situation and determine whether a “potentially truncated” competitive schedule in-conference could take place. This decision would only be made if the risk surrounding COVID-19 has substantially been reduced. If not, fall sports could be played in the spring.
A competitive schedule for fall sports in the 2021 spring semester is the current intention for the A10 conference, but only if the proper health protocols can be followed. Details for rescheduling of contests and championships will be determined “at a later date,” but the health and safety of all involved is the primary concern for the A10.
Teams will be able to return to practice upon their return to campus, and will train and practice under the “approved safety protocols established in partnership with the league, each institution and local public health experts.”
For the football team, which is part of the Pioneer Football League (yet to announce any postponement), the first kickoff is now scheduled to be Sept. 26 on the road against Marist, who went 4-7 last year and fell 59-35 to UD.
The immediate fallout of this decision is yet to be seen, but with preparations for altered practices underway, student-athletes will still be able to stay in shape and ready for the season, whenever it begins.
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