Dear Assumption Students and Families,
I hope this message finds students well and preparing for the spring semester. I wish to share with you information that will be announced this evening by the Northeast-10 (NE10) with regard to the 2020 fall sports season, which had been suspended in July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NE10 will announce at 5 p.m. that the fall 2020 conference schedule has been canceled due to the ongoing public health situation. Regardless of this decision, the Department of Athletics is collaborating with colleges and universities in the Worcester area to potentially schedule limited competition for the fall teams, if safe to do so. The Department of Athletics remains hopeful that some form of competition will be available to student-athletes during the spring semester.
TRAINING PROGRAM & ELIGIBILITY FOR POTENTIAL COMPETITION
During the spring semester, coaches will continue to provide student-athletes a robust training program on campus for those in the testing protocol. I understand this news may have student-athletes reconsidering their spring semester housing decision. Please know that only those student-athletes who are either in residence or commuting to campus for their classes can participate in the on-campus training. Remote students may not participate in any training program. In addition, in the event competition is scheduled, student-athletes studying remotely may not compete given that they are not part of the testing protocol.
MAINTAINING OUR COMMITMENT TO STUDENT-ATHLETES
I realize that for all student-athletes, in particular our seniors, this news is disappointing. However, please know that the University will maintain its scholarship commitment to student-athletes in accordance with NCAA rules and regulations.
RECOGNIZING SENIORS
In the absence of Senior Days, the Department of Athletics is planning a virtual event to recognize our senior Greyhounds. For years, these students have applied themselves both in the classroom and in competition and have represented the caliber of student who attends Assumption University. As planning progresses on this virtual event, which all family members and friends will be able to watch online, additional information will be shared.
SPRING SPORTS
Thus far, the NE10 has canceled fall and winter sports for the 2020-21 academic year: basketball, cross country, football, ice hockey, soccer, field hockey, swimming & diving, indoor track & field, and volleyball. We are hopeful that the public health situation will abate thereby potentially providing an opportunity for spring teams - baseball, golf, lacrosse, rowing, softball, tennis, outdoor track & field - to engage in some form of competition, if safe to do so. A decision regarding the spring season will be made by the NE10 Conference in late-February.
Success in the classroom and in competition requires intense preparation and resiliency. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, many student-athletes have maintained that intensity and excelled in the classroom. Our student-athletes continue to endure the present challenges in their pursuit of excellence.
Once again, I thank you for your understanding and patience as the University responds to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and endeavors to promote the health and safety of our student-athletes, Athletics’ staff, and the University community.
With my prayers for the continued health and safety of you and your family.
Sincerely,
