(Cleveland) - The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has postponed all fall sports, including football, due to concerns about COVID-19.
MAC's Council of Presidents voted unanimously to take the action for the health and well-being of student athletes and coaches. Current plans are to have some kind of competition in the spring.
MAC schools in Ohio are Kent State University, University of Akron, Ohio University, Miami University, Bowling Green, and University of Toledo. Other MAC schools are Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Western Michigan University, Northern Illinois University, Ball State University, and University of Buffalo.
The MAC is the first Football Bowl Subdivision conference to call off football.
Besides football, the fall sports affected are men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. At this time, there have been no decisions made regarding winter sports.
“The decision is grounded in the core values of the Conference that prioritize student-athlete well-being, an area the MAC has traditionally taken a leadership role,” said MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher. “Clearly, we are charting a conservative path – and it is one that has been recommended by our medical advisory group. It is a decision that affects roughly 2,500 student-athletes who live for the moment to compete. Those opportunities and moments are fleeting, and our student-athletes have a limited window in which to showcase their talent, passion, and drive for excellence. I am heartbroken we are in this place. However, I take comfort and want to give assurance to our student-athletes, coaches, and fans that we have their best interest at heart, and we will make every effort to provide competitive opportunities in the spring.”
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