OAC postpones fall sports season

The Presidents Council of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) has postponed all NCAA intercollegiate athletic competition through December 31, 2020, amidst continued concerns about COVID-19. The Conference is committed to moving NCAA intercollegiate competition to the spring, with various models being currently discussed.

A video message from Muskingum VP/AD Steve Brockelbank about Muskie Athletics

While competition will not occur in Fall 2020, the Conference is planning a robust engagement of student-athletes during the fall semester with conditioning and preparation for competition according to CDC guidelines and NCAA criteria in conjunction with local health guidelines.

"The OAC believes we can continue to provide an excellent experience for our student-athletes," said Tim Gleason, Commissioner of OAC, "while continuing to make the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, families, fans and campus communities our highest priority."

The fall sports that have intercollegiate competition postponed include cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.  The winter-season sports of basketball, indoor track and field, swimming and diving, and wrestling will also have intercollegiate competition postponed during the 2020 calendar year, with plans to resume in January 2021.

Muskingum is dedicated to delivering a safe and healthy environment for Muskie student-athletes to stay actively engaged with their teams and coaches throughout the fall semester. Specific plans for each team are being put in place.

"Muskingum is committed to providing excellent athletic opportunities to our student-athletes and teams as they prepare for their seasons in 2021," said Muskingum President Dr. Sue Hasseler. "We are focused on delivering a solid and fulfilling student-athlete experience on our campus and are confident that our coaches, faculty, and staff will have a positive and meaningful impact on our Muskies this fall."

"All of our athletic teams will be training and preparing for competition during the fall semester following CDC, NCAA, and local health department guidelines," said Muskingum Vice President and Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank. "We plan to come out of this in great shape, focused, and hungry for competition in January and beyond."