Southland Conference postpones fall athletics

The Southland Conference Board of Directors has determined that league competition in the sports of football, volleyball, women's soccer and cross country will be postponed from the fall semester with an intent to explore conference competition in the spring semester. Meeting frequently in recent weeks, including Wednesday afternoon, presidents of the 13 Southland members also authorized planning for spring semester championship events for volleyball, soccer and cross country.

Institutions may choose to participate in limited fall competition.

"After thoughtful consideration, the Southland Conference Board of Directors reached consensus in postponing league competition for our fall semester sports," Dr. Houston Davis, Board Chair and President of the University of Central Arkansas, said. "Protecting competitive opportunities in a safe manner for our student-athletes was paramount in the review, and a delay to the spring allows campuses and athletic departments to get a better handle on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic."

"The Board concluded that an entire fall sports season is not likely, and that a postponement to spring can provide the important opportunities our teams annually seek," Southland Conference Commissioner Tom Burnett added. "While disappointed that we won't be playing these sports in the Southland's 58th year of fall competition, we look forward to a unique spring season of athletics that also includes NCAA postseason opportunities."

It is expected that Southland athletic directors will immediately begin work with the Southland staff to determine spring competitive planning and other issues.

"The postponement of fall sports is a huge disappointment for our athletes, coaching staff and our loyal fans," said Director of Athletics Bobby Williams. "Unfortunately, universities and athletics conferences around the nation have varying abilities to comply with recently-announced NCAA requirements to operate in a COVID-19 environment, and the Southland Conference's decision will give time for more programs to look for ways to comply. We remain grateful for the unwavering support of our Bearkat family, fans and sponsors."

To keep up with the university's guidance on the pandemic, visit the SHSU Restart 2020 website.

Statements from head coaches whose sports were scheduled to start competition this month:

K.C. Keeler, Football, Head Coach

"Our coaches and players are disappointed, but we understand this is much more complicated than just putting together a schedule and playing football. We will follow our leadership and believe wholeheartedly that this is the best decision for our student-athletes, fans, alumni and our university.

"We know at some point we are going to play football again. We know we have a good team coming back and we are going to continue progressing to be the best we can, whether that is a spring or fall season. I am very proud of our group of guys and how they have handled this entire situation to this point, which is exactly what we expected from them."

Dave Self, Track and Field, Head Coach

?"It is disappointing, but it was the right decision to make. We have so many new challenges that are changing daily. This is a chance to step back and take a long look at what the next few weeks hold without the added requirements of a competitive season.

"I really feel for the incoming freshman. This is my personal favorite time of the year; to have newcomers arrive on campus and the excitement that it brings. We are going to focus on getting the team back to campus and get school started first. After that, then we will focus on training for whatever the upcoming season will look like."

Tom Brown, Soccer, Head Coach

"My heart breaks for our seniors, players and staff who have done everything right on and off the field in order for us to have a fall season. I understand the decision to postpone our season that the Southland Conference and Sam Houston State University have made and I know it has been difficult on those decision-makers. Our student-athletes are our number one priority during this uncertain time. Our program will remain resilient at this time and work hard to come out on the other side of this stronger and better as a team and individuals."

Brenda Gray, Volleyball, Head Coach

"It's disappointing for the team, but I think there was some relief to a decision being made too, because it has been difficult for our girls to train with all of the lingering questions surrounding our season. As a team, we'll stay within the realm of what we can do and will train and push forward like Sam Houston volleyball always does. However, this is an unprecedented situation. It is a situation much bigger than Sam Houston volleyball. This is the way of the world right now and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone fighting through this."

Southland Conference postpones fall athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Footer