Cleveland - — Due to uncertainties created by the COVID-19 outbreak, Cuyahoga Community College is suspending fall and winter athletics to safeguard student-athletes, coaches and community spectators.
The risk of spreading COVID-19 during team activities is simply too great. It would be challenging — if not impossible — to implement the precautions and protocols needed to ensure a safe environment during competition, practices and other aspects of athletics.
Tri-C is not alone in its decision. Two of the College’s rivals in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference — Owens Community College and Sinclair Community College — have also suspended sports for some or all of the 2020-2021 academic year.
Meanwhile, a growing number of colleges and universities across the country that chose to begin fall sports programs are now reporting coronavirus cases among athletes.
Tri-C’s decision sidelines six teams that compete during the fall or winter seasons: women’s basketball, cross country, indoor track and volleyball, plus men’s basketball and soccer.
The College will fulfill its commitment to student-athletes by honoring scholarships and working with them to identify other needed resources in their academic and athletic pursuits.
A decision regarding the 2021 spring sports season will be made in the fall.
© 2020 iHeartMedia, Inc.
Hear news updates at the top and bottom of the hour:wtam.com/listen