(Cleveland, OH) - Due to COVID-19 uncertainties and surging case counts, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) is suspending 2021 spring athletics to safeguard student-athletes, coaches and community spectators. The decision follows recent record-high reports of coronavirus cases in Ohio and other states. Health officials expect the trend to continue in the coming months.
The risk of spreading COVID-19 during team activities is simply too great at this time. 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.
The College moved in June to suspend fall and winter athletics given similar concerns. A decision on spring sports was delayed at that time in hopes the outbreak would subside.
Tri-C is not alone in its choice. Several of the College’s rivals in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference have also moved to suspend sports for some or all of the 2020-2021 academic year.
The suspension of spring sports affects three Tri-C teams — men’s baseball, women’s softball and women’s track — that often earn national rankings and recognition. The teams also had their 2020 seasons suspended due to COVID-19.
Photo courtesy of Cuyahoga Community College
(Copyright, iHeartMedia, 2020)
Listen to WTAM news at the top and bottom of the hour