As a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), Ohio Northern University is sharing that the Presidents Council of the Ohio Athletic Conference has voted to cancel all 2020 spring sports seasons, effective March 16 through the remainder of the academic year.
This includes all athletically related activities as defined by the NCAA. In addition, all meetings, practices and other off-season activities for other sports are also cancelled.
The OAC joins other NCAA conferences like the Patriot League and New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAS) in taking this action.
"This unfortunate action by the OAC Presidents Council is further recognition that Ohio Northern's priority is the health and safety of our students and the wider community in light of the COVID-19 pandemic," says ONU President Daniel A. DiBiasio.
"While it is disappointing that the hard work and preparation of Ohio Northern's spring sport student-athletes, their coaches and our athletic staff will not result in a season of competition this spring, the discontinuation of the spring sports season at this time is appropriate and necessary."
According to Thomas Simmons, ONU athletic director, "We are all disappointed with the developments over the last few days, but we understand the urgency of the situation with the COVID-19 virus and the need to limit its spread. I want to thank all of our student-athletes for their passion and dedication to their teammates and to their respective sports."
In addition, the NCAA has canceled all of its winter and spring championships for 2020.
Official announcement from OAC:
In an effort to protect the health and safety of all of our students and the communities we serve, the Presidents Council of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) has voted to cancel all 2020 spring sports seasons, effective March 16 through the remainder of the academic year. This includes all athletically-related activities as defined by the NCAA. In addition, all meetings, practices and other off-season activities for other sports have also been cancelled.
While we recognize the profound disappointment that will be felt by the many student-athletes, parents, fans and coaches, the ongoing spread and uncertainty of COVID-19 have made the continuation of athletic activities untenable.
Individual OAC institutions will decide the NCAA championship participation status and remaining practice/meetings needs of winter teams and student-athletes who have qualified.
In addition, the Conference deeply regrets having to cancel the Clyde Lamb Awards Banquet scheduled for May.
The Conference will appeal to the NCAA to re-gain a season of eligibility and an extra semester to participate for all spring student-athletes who have participated thus far at OAC member institutions.
