Fall Athletics Update – July 16, 2020

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Earlier today, the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) announced that varsity sports games are suspended for the fall semester due to the significant and ongoing threat of COVID19. I know how difficult this news will come to our varsity student-athletes competing in men's soccer, women’s soccer, football, field hockey, volleyball, men’s cross country and women’s cross country. My heart especially goes out to our seniors.

This is not a decision that the conference took lightly. But after careful consideration, it was determined that there is no way to hold a fall sports season without risking the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and the community at large.

Although there won’t be fall contests, the state universities are planning to provide student-athletes with on-campus, in-person practices, conditioning and training opportunities during the fall semester to support their physical and mental well-being. These practice and training opportunities will not use a year of NCAA Eligibility and will be done in compliance with the campus, city, state, federal and NCAA COVID guidance and protocols.

At this time, no decision has been made regarding winter or spring sports competition during the Spring 2021 semester.  It is our hope that 2021 would bring a safe and healthy environment for winter and spring athletic seasons.

An announcement that was sent out by our Athletics Department this morning contains more information regarding this decision. As always, the members of our coaching staffs and the FSU athletic department staff are here for all of our student-athletes to provide support and guidance as we all navigate this unprecedented time.  

Sincerely,
Javier

F. Javier Cevallos, PhD
President
Framingham State University