Washington College Cancels Spring Sports Following Coronavirus pandemic.
Washington College has canceled all athletics-related activities, including practices, for the remainder of the spring semester, the college announced in a news release Thursday, March 19. This is being done to help manage the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Earlier on Thursday, the Centennial Conference, of which Washington is a charter member, announced the cancellation of all spring practices, competitions and championships.
“All of us at Washington College were hopeful that we would be able to resume the spring season next month but unfortunately the circumstances surrounding this pandemic will not allow us this opportunity,” athletic director Thad Moore said in a prepared statement.
He added: “I want to thank all of our student-athletes and their families for your assistance during this difficult time. I am particularly disappointed for those seniors who were participating in their final season and were looking forward to competing for championships and individual accolades. We can’t thank you enough for your hard work and dedication over these past four years.”
The college’s athletic department will honor all seniors who were competing during the spring season with special recognition on social media beginning Monday, March 23.
Also, most valuable and most improved players will be announced in April for all 18 varsity teams, as well as the winners of the nine major departmental awards.
All honorees will be recognized in front of their peers next fall.
In response to COVID-19 and its impact on the 2020 spring season, NCAA Division III has approved several measures including an additional semester and season of eligibility for all student-athletes participating in spring sports; the removal of a minimum threshold of sponsored spring sports; and the flexibility for schools to assist students with travel, lodging and meals as a result of campus displacement.
