RICHARDSON, Texas – The American Southwest Conference Council of Presidents announced the decision to delay conference-scheduled competition and championship events for fall championship sports on Saturday morning, with anticipation of resuming ASC competition and tournaments in spring 2021. The delay includes the fall sports of cross country, football, soccer and volleyball.
Action by the Council of Presidents to delay the ASC fall championship sports seasons does not preclude individual institutions from engaging in athletics-related activities, including non-conference competition, conducted in accordance with Division III legislation as well as institution, local, state and federal public health guidelines.
The decision by the presidents was made after evaluation of NCAA Division III legislative waivers and Association-wide actions; consideration of conference scheduling options for fall sports; and review of current public health guidelines.
"The decision to move fall competition to the spring balances the safety of our War Hawk athletes and their ASC counterparts with the desire to have a competitive experience for them," said McMurry University President Dr. Sandra Harper. "Postponing the competition makes sense at this point in time. I know our coaches and our athletic staff will make the most of the fall semester with practice and preparation so that we will be ready to go in Spring 2021."
The American Southwest Conference membership anticipates approval of NCAA Division III playing and practice season waivers allowing greater opportunity for students in all sports to have a broad athletics experience throughout the 2020-21 academic year. Under the waiver, each campus would have flexibility in conducting individual and team skill instruction, strength and conditioning, and practices along with the prospect for enhanced academic and personal development, and other athletically related activities as health and safety conditions allow.
"The ASC Council of Presidents recognizes the disappointment of students who normally participate in conference-scheduled regular-season and championship competition during the fall semester," said Amy Carlton, commissioner of the American Southwest Conference. "The conference leadership and administrators will continue planning for fall sports to resume conference competition and tournament opportunities in the spring semester as appropriate. "Decisions on the ASC schedules and championships for basketball and spring sports will be determined at a later date.
McMurry's Vice President of Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Sam Ferguson, sent a letter to the War Hawk scholar-athletes encouraging a positive approach to the decision.
"Our coaches and staff are making the best of this situation and remaining positive," Ferguson said. "We are all committed to moving forward with a meaningful fall athletics experience that will allow for growth in our scholar-athletes and position us for success in spring competition. Everyone at McMurry is working hard to create a safe environment not only for our scholar-athletes, but also for our students in general. It's going to take belief, positive attitudes, resilience and care for others to rally for a win. This pandemic is tough, but War Hawks are tougher."
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
ASC OFFICIAL RELEASE
FAQ: ASC FALL SPORTS 2020
LETTER FROM SAM FERGUSON TO MCMURRY SCHOLAR-ATHLETES
