The California Lutheran University Athletic department has been in deliberations throughout the summer weighing many different options in order to be able to compete in Fall Sports. The health and safety of our student athletes, coaches and staff is our primary concern and was an important factor in our decision process. However, the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Presidents have decided they will not be competing in the NCAA categorized high-contact risk sports of football, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, men's water polo, and men's and women's basketball this fall.
As of now, assuming at least 3 other SCIAC teams and guidelines permit, Cal Lutheran golf, tennis, cross-country and swimming and diving may continue to compete in the fall. That decision is still to be determined and updates will be provided as needed.
The decision to suspend competition for the high contact risk fall sport teams does not come lightly and we realize that it is very disappointing for our student-athletes, particularly our seniors. We will, however, take advantage of every opportunity afforded for our student athletes to engage with each other as well as their coaches for team activities during the fall. We also will continue to explore the possibility of conducting fall sport competitions during the spring semester. The NCAA had granted a blanket eligibility waiver stating "student-athletes will not be charged with participation for the 2020-21 season if their team can complete only 50% or less of the sport's maximum contests/dates of competition due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic." The decision on winter and spring athletic seasons will be made later. If conditions allow, CLU intends to compete in both winter and spring seasons.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not changed the fact that Athletics at CLU is a significant and important part of the Cal Lutheran educational experience. Participation in athletics is one form of experiential learning that enables all our student athletes to find their purpose and grow to be global leaders. CLU student-athletes are strong and resilient and we are confident that despite these setbacks they will emerge from this challenge even stronger.
Go Kingsmen and Regals!
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director
