(Graphic by Christopher Arnold)
The start of the spring semester means the return to sports for winter varsity athletes. Winter sports teams, including ice hockey, women’s basketball, men’s basketball, and women’s and men’s swimming and diving, all started their seasons this past week (2/15) and are gearing up to start competitions.
In November 2020, after careful consideration, the Liberty League voted to cancel winter sports competitions and championships due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the League’s decision to suspend competitions doesn’t prevent individual schools from taking part in student-athlete activities, as long as they are in accordance with Division III regulations and state and local guidelines.
Although the League will not sponsor a typical athletic competition season, institutions can participate in competitions as long as health and safety allow it. Women’s and men’s swimming and diving, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball hope to schedule a few competitions, whereas ice hockey has a 10-game schedule planned.
The return to practice and competition will work in conjunction with the College’s and NCAA’s detailed health and safety guidelines. Athletes and coaches are expected to wear masks and social distance, when possible, while traveling and competing. The college has decided to prohibit overnight trips.
In an announcement from the College, President Conner stressed the importance of the health and safety of student-athletes and the community during this process.
“‘This was a very careful and cautious decision," said President Marc Conner. "We had to be fully satisfied with the health and safety issues. I'm just so pleased that our over 400 student-athletes will get to engage in competition. Many of them haven't played a game since COVID arrived last spring. This is a crucial part of their college experience, and I'm very hopeful we can provide as much meaningful competition for our students as possible.’"
Spring sports, including men's and women’s tennis teams, baseball, softball, men's and women’s lacrosse teams, men's and women’s rowing teams, and men's golf, have not heard word from the League regarding returning to competition. The decision is expected to come by the beginning of March, but the College is hopeful that spring athletes will be able to compete in the upcoming months.
As for fall teams (field hockey, volleyball, and men's and women's soccer teams), the College also anticipates that these athletes will be able to compete later this spring, too, as they weren’t able to in the fall due to the League’s decision to cancel competitions.