RICHARDSON, Texas (LSC/TAMUK) – The Lone Star Conference Council of Presidents postponed all competition in the sports of football, soccer, volleyball and basketball to the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic as announced by the league in a release on Friday.
Cross country will compete in the fall as scheduled. Additionally, golf and tennis are permitted to compete in their non-championship segments in the fall. No other outside competition will be allowed.
“Today’s decision was not made lightly and was one that required a lot of thought and consideration,” said Steve Roach, Executive Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. “While we are all disappointed for our student-athletes missing out on the opportunity to compete this fall semester, the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and campus community must come first.
“We will continue to work in conjunction with our campus community, the Lone Star Conference, and the NCAA to determine the best path forward for future practices and competitions.”
After extensive discussion, which included a review of the requirements set by the NCAA Board of Governors earlier this week, the council made the difficult decision to postpone due to the challenges of COVID-19.
The decision follows the cancelation of the NCAA Division II Fall 2020 Championships by the Division II President’s Council on Wednesday, August 5.
Football, soccer, volleyball and basketball, which are classified as high contact risk sports by the NCAA resocialization principles, can practice during the fall under all applicable NCAA Division-II rules, but not compete until the spring.
Practices in all sports remain delayed until no earlier than August 24. Further, competition in cross country, golf and tennis, which are classified by the NCAA as low and medium contact risk sports, may not start prior to the week of September 21.
The two fall sports at TAMUK primarily affected by this decision include volleyball and football. Tanya Allen was poised for her 10th season as head coach of the volleyball program after making her eighth consecutive trip to the LSC Tournament in 2019, while Mike Salinas would have seen action in his first season as head coach for the football program.
“The decision to cancel the fall championship season is heartbreaking and I know it was not an easy decision to make,” said Allen. “Though we cannot compete, I will do everything to keep my team engaged around campus and will provide the support and growth that are central to collegiate athletics.
“I love my team, and this hardship is another opportunity for us to show how special Javelina Nation truly is.”
“This decision to cancel fall competition for football was not ideal and was disappointing to share with our players,” added Salinas. “Our priority is to take great care of our student-athletes, and the health and safety of our players, coaches, and support staff will always be our utmost concern.
“We will have a plan moving forward and will use this time to our advantage.”
The complete release from the LSC can be found at the following link: LSC RELEASE