Bluefield State’s fall sports have been postponed until further notice, a casualty of the ongoing toll taken by the COVID-19 virus.
There will be no games, matches, meets or tournament play through the end of the calendar year for Volleyball, Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s tennis and Men’s Golf.
This decision was made following an announcement from the Division II Presidents Council to cancel all championship play this fall.
Sandra Jordan, Council chair and chancellor of the University of South Carolina Aiken, said in a statement, “The Presidents Council made the difficult decision that holding fall championships in any capacity was not a viable or fiscally responsible option.
“It is important to note that fall student-athletes will be given eligibility-related flexibility to allow them championship opportunities in the future.”
Bluefield State College Interim Athletics Director and Men’s Basketball Coach Derrick Price added, “This is obviously a great disappointment for all. We did not make this decision lightly. We explored every option for maintaining our Falls Sports programming. But we could not find a solution that ensured the safety and health of our student athletes.”
In keeping with public health guidance, Bluefield State has put in place physical distancing protocols, limits on travel on and off campus, and limits on the size of on-campus gatherings.
Some organized activities will resume mid-September.
All athletes arriving for Fall Semester will be tested for the virus as they arrive on campus.
Additionally, all athletes will self-quarantine and have no gym access for 2 weeks.
Director Price concluded, “I remain optimistic that our Basketball programs will stay on track. We have strong teams this year and look forward to successful seasons from both our men and women.”