MIT became the latest NCAA Division III program to cancel its winter seasons because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday, MIT cancelled all winter varsity sports competition, which will impact men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s basketball, fencing, rifle, squash, and men’s and women’s indoor track and field.
In addition, the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Presidents Council voted unanimously to suspend conference play and championships for the 2020-21 winter sports season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases across the region and the country, we have made the difficult decision to cancel athletics competition for the upcoming winter sports season,” said Dr. G. Anthony Grant, MIT director of athletics and DAPER department head in a university release. “As with every decision that we make here at MIT, we are doing so with the health and safety of our student-athletes and community at the forefront of our minds.”
“We know this announcement will be disappointing to our winter sports student-athletes, but this decision is in the best interest of protecting their well-being and that of the whole MIT campus,” said Suzy M. Nelson, vice president and dean for student life. “We will continue working together to keep COVID at bay in our community.”
A decision about MIT spring sports will be made in coordination with the NCAA and the NEWMAC in January. While that decision is pending, student-athletes should be aware that MIT would not engage in competition under current Covid conditions. “We will continue to follow guidance from federal, state, and local public health authorities, along with MIT Medical, when making a determination on the spring sports seasons,” Grant added.
As a result of today’s announcement, all winter club sports competition and travel will also be cancelled. On-campus offerings for both club sports and intramurals will continue to be reviewed based on student demographics and health and safety guidelines, with programming being as extensive as possible within the parameters set forth.
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Cowards
Andy Gallion Really??!!
Doug McMahon truly. Teams are safely running clubs and college programs across the country. To pull the plug on Nov 3…..absolutely.
Andy Gallion every region, division and program all have their own challenges. A blanket statement does not suffice.
Doug McMahon for the schools who have taken this easy way out so soon….is it too hard, or is it too hard for you. I feel for the athletes.