MAC, Pioneer Postpone Fall Sports
Two collegiate conferences that include Indiana schools have changed their plans for the fall. The Mid American Conference, which includes Ball State University, is postponing its entire fall sports season, while the Pioneer Football League, which includes Butler and Valparaiso universities, says its schools will not hold conference games this season.
In a statement over the weekend, the MAC cited concerns related to COVID-19 for the decision. The sports, which include men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball, will take place during the spring semester.
“The MAC has begun formalizing plans for the 2021 spring semester,” the conference said. “The Conference will continue to consult with its Medical Advisory Panel and will monitor developments surrounding the pandemic with state and local health officials, the CDC, WHO and governmental entities.”
The presidents council for the PFL said with its membership spread from coast-to-coast, there are too many challenges to overcome pertaining to team travel.
“The presidents and athletic directors of our respective universities made this very difficult decision after extensive deliberations and consideration of many factors,” said James Danko, Butler University president and PFL chair. “We recognize that our student-athletes will be disappointed, but our highest priority is the health and safety of all those involved in our athletic programs. Ultimately, the risks of proceeding are simply too high,” said Danko.
In addition to the two Indiana schools, the PFL has teams in California, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina, New York and Ohio. The league said teams faced difficulties in meeting applicable state, local and institutional health requirements, and COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
“Eliminating competitive opportunities is a very difficult decision to have to make, especially knowing the effort and commitment that our student-athletes put into their sport,” said Valparaiso Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera.
The PFL news release indicated the league is still exploring opportunities for football student-athletes during the academic year “if this can be done reasonably and safely.”