Ohio Valley Conference cancels spring sports due to spread of coronavirus
The Ohio Valley Conference Board of Presidents have announced the cancellation of sports for the remainder of remaining academic year, including OVC Championships, due to the COVID-19 public health threat.
The OVC, which includes SIU-Edwardsville and Eastern Illinois University, also announced Monday that all team practices which include spring football workouts will be suspended until April 3 at which time the impact of the suspension will be re-evaluate. During this time period, student-athletes will be allowed to do strength and conditioning and training room activities.
SIU-Edwardsville Athletic Director Tim Hall said the decision was not a difficult one for the OVC Board.
“They have, as their highest priority, the welfare of all their students, faculty, and staff,’’ Hall said. “ This is, in many respects, an unprecedented occurrence in time. Staying consistent with and adhering to the principles of social distancing and “flattening the curve” this was the most prudent and right decision.
“The impact on SIUE Athletics is the pain and disappointment felt in our spring sports athletes not being able to compete and all of our other athletes not being able to work out or be engaged in skill instruction.’’
The decision comes days after the NCAA canceled its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments and the remainder of its championships through the conclusion of the 2019-20 academic year.
Hall said the NCAA will honor the year of eligibility for Ohio Valley Conference athletes in spring sports.
“The NCAA has said it will honor the year of eligibility at least for all spring sports student athletes,’’ Hall said. “ Exactly how that will look from a compliance, financial and a legislative perspective, is yet to be determined.
Among the spring sports influenced by the announcement are baseball, softball and track and field.. Current members of the OVC are Austin Peay, Belmont, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Morehead State, Murray State, Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, Tennessee-Martin.
Hall said the league will continue to monitor all relevant information on COVID-19 on a daily basis, according to a release.
This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 2:54 PM.
