Inside Athletics

Statement From Emory & Henry Athletics Regarding COVID-19

Posted: Mar 13, 2020

UPDATE - MARCH 20, 2020 - EMORY, Va. - With continuing developments in the outbreak of COVID-19, the Emory & Henry College Department of Athletics and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference are choosing to cancel all spring athletics competition for the remainder of the academic year.

"As a result, and in the best interests of the Emory & Henry community, we are making this difficult decision, which I know will be disappointing to so many of our student-athletes, coaches, and fans," said Anne Crutchfield, director of athletics. "Despite the disappointing news, I am confident that these are the right steps to take together. This decision was guided at all times by our commitment to protecting the health, well-being, and safety of our student-athletes, staff, and supporters."

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UPDATE - MARCH 13, 2020 - EMORY, Va. - With continuing developments in the outbreak of COVID-19, the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and Emory & Henry College are choosing to postpone all spring athletics competition until further notice.

Even though the NCAA has canceled all championships, conferences still have the autonomy to host their tournaments. According to a press release from NCAA Division III on Friday afternoon, any resumption of play may occur without loss of eligibility for any spring student-athlete.

"We are hopeful that we will be able to resume the conference schedule at a later date," said Anne Crutchfield, director of athletics. "We are committed to protecting the health, well-being, and safety of our student-athletes, staff, and supporters. The final decision on the continuation of the season will be up to presidents from member institutions in consultation with the administrative team in the conference."

Athletic directors from each of the ODAC schools will continue to meet weekly to reassess the situation and make recommendations to institution presidents.

RELATED - ODAC COVID-19 Statement

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) executive committee decided to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 competition season. The cancellation applies to all IHSA shows, including Zones, Western Semi-Finals, and Nationals. The Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) also chose to cancel the remainder of the season.

The men's and women's outdoor track & field teams will be allowed to compete at the Coastal Carolina Invitational through Saturday night. Conference contests for women's tennis and baseball for Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, respectively, have been postponed. The scheduled softball double-header for Saturday at T-No. 17 Berry College has been canceled.

Following the guidance of public health and medical professionals, Emory & Henry College previously announced that spring break is extended by an additional week from March 14 to March 29. In-season sports may continue to practice during a portion or all of this time at the discretion of the head coach. Students are currently scheduled to return to the classroom on March 30 at 8 a.m.

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MARCH 11, 2020 --- EMORY, Va. - Wednesday afternoon, March 11, 2020, the Emory & Henry College COVID-19 (Coronavirus) task force, in collaboration with officials from the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV), decided to suspend College activities, including athletic competitions from Sunday, March 15 to Sunday, March 29.

Athletic competitions prior to March 15 will go on as scheduled. In-season sports may continue to practice during a portion or all of this time at the discretion of the head coach.

Emory & Henry College anticipates a return to the regular class schedule on Monday, March 30. Athletic competitions canceled or postponed before this date will not be considered forfeits, and the College continues to be in constant communication with the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and NCAA about the remaining games for the rest of the season.

The NCAA has also released information regarding its own COVID-19 advisory panel including a statement from NCAA President Mark Emmert.

For the most up-to-date information on Emory & Henry Athletics, including all updates regarding competition schedules, visit www.GoWasps.com, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/GoWasps or follow us on Twitter @GoWasps and Instagram @WaspsAthletics.

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