WESTFIELD – On Friday morning, the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference released a statement announcing the cancellation of the 2020-21 winter sports seasons due to the continuing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
“The MASCAC Presidents have been continuously observing the pandemic and guidelines from local, state, federal and NCAA officials which has led us to the decision to cancel winter sports competition during the spring semester,” Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts President James Birge, Chair of the MASCAC Council of Presidents in the stated.
Westfield State athletics will not compete in any winter sports season in accordance with the league and NCAA guidance. Westfield State athletics will still pursue sport training and practice opportunities for the winter seasons as guided by NCAA Resocialization of Sport guidelines as well as specific state and local public health regulations.
“Once again, we are extremely disappointed for our student-athletes that we will not be able to offer competition opportunities this winter,” said Westfield State director of athletics Dick Lenfest. “2020 has not been a good year for college athletics, but we will remain hopeful that conditions improve as we move towards the spring. In the meantime, I ask our student-athletes to remain vigilant in social distancing, wearing masks, and using hand sanitizers and hand-washing to help maintain their personal health and the health of the campus community at large.”
Student athletes who participate in practice and training opportunities will not use a year of eligibility in 2020-21, based on a recent NCAA ruling. – Courtesy of Westfield State University Sports
