Illinois State Athletics Spring Sports Suspended Until March 30

 

[March 16, 2020] 

NORMAL, Ill. – In accordance with action taken by the Missouri Valley Conference on Thursday, Illinois State Athletics spring sports contests have been suspended through March 30, effective immediately.

This does not apply to individuals currently participating in NCAA sanctioned competition. In addition, Illinois State teams currently on the road competing over spring break will be allowed to participate in scheduled contests if the host institution does not cancel the event. Those teams will return at regularly-scheduled times and adhere to all department policies moving forward.

“The health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and University community is at the heart of the decisions made today,” Illinois State Director of Athletics Larry Lyons said. “Suspending competition is not a move that was taken lightly and while this is unfortunate for our student-athletes and staff, it is the right step with all of the current information we have at this time. In the coming days, we will continue to re-evaluate the situation and maintain our consultations University and MVC officials.”

With the announcement, the following Illinois State Athletics sanctioned events have been cancelled in addition to scheduled spring sport regular-season contests:

• 2020 Midwest Independent Conference gymnastics championship scheduled for Friday, March 20, at Redbird Arena
   

• The upcoming Illinois State volleyball program’s foreign trip

The main priority continues to be the well-being and safety of ISU student-athletes, administrators, coaches and fans. The league and its institutions will continue to work closely with local governments and health departments in monitoring the COVID-19 situation internationally and domestically.

Additional details regarding future spring competitions will be provided at a later date.

[Mike Williams
Assistant Athletics Director/Communications]