Grand Canyon University Athletics
WAC suspends fall sports
8/13/2020 8:00:00 AM | General, Cross Country, Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Women's Volleyball
Spring competition considered for soccer, women's volleyball, cross country
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"We support the conference's decision knowing it was made in the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches and campus communities," GCUÂ Interim Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said. "GCU continues to be committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment where student-athletes can progress academically, athletically and spiritually."
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If the NCAA opts to move its fall championships to the spring, the WAC announced it will conduct the impacted sports during the same time frame, if feasible.
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The WAC Medical Advisory Committee and Contingency Planning Group have met consistently to monitor the health and safety conditions related to the pandemic. Input from the groups was weighed heavily in the decision-making process.
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"It obviously was a difficult decision, and not one made lightly," WAC Commissioner Jeff Hurd said. "But it was one made after extensive discussion and consideration of all relevant factors as well as input from conference administrators and the Medical Advisory Committee. The health and safety of our student-athletes, the many others associated with our athletics programs and all those in our campus environments always will be the highest priority."
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Scheduling for winter sports, including men's and women's basketball and swimming and diving, will be postponed through the end of October. Decisions regarding these competitions will be made at the appropriate time as the WAC continues to monitor developments surrounding COVID-19 with state and local health authorities, the CDC and government officials.
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Non-championship competition for baseball, softball, men's and women's tennis and men's and women's golf also has been suspended through the end of the calendar year.
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Per NCAA rules, team activities conducted on campus will be permitted to continue with stringent safety guidelines in place. GCU is committed to continuing important student-athlete support services to ensure their mental and physical health, academic advancement and competitive success.
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Fall head coach statements
"Today and the last six months have been very hard for our student-athletes and GCU family. There is a lot of uncertainty in our sport and in the world right now. There are a lot of things that are out of our control. We can't focus on those things. We need to focus on the things we can control. The way we react to these situations, the things we can do right now to get better and be ready when we can compete. We are very lucky our administration, medical staff and coaches have worked hard to make sure we can return to practice as a team in a safe environment. We need each other right now. We are a family. We rely on each other and can make each other better every day. This group of athletes is going to come out tougher and more resilient. This experience is going to make them stronger. We support the recent decision by the WAC to suspend fall sports. We know this is the best decision for our athletes' safety and health. We will be ready and excited for when we can return to competition."
Sara Slattery, men's and women's cross country
"I respect and support the decision that the WAC made today to suspend fall sports. Our top priority must and should always be the safety and well being of our student-athletes and staff. Our staff and players are all disappointed at the present time, but we also realize that by suspending fall sports this gives us an opportunity to train and prepare for the spring season. Our players at GCU have done a fantastic job in following all the safety and medical protocols that were put into place by our medical department led by Dr. Shaarawy and our incredible athletic training staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. During these difficult times, the leadership from President Mueller and our Athletic Director Jamie Boggs and her staff have been outstanding. Throughout life we will always face new challenges. I've seen tremendous growth and maturity from our team in dealing with this ongoing crisis. I am very proud of our team and know that our players will continue to grow and improve not only as players, but also as young men. As I've said many times to our players, you have the choice to either be a "victim" or a "fighter."Â Knowing our players, they will choose to be fighters."
Schellas Hyndman, men's soccer
"Today is a difficult day for our awesome GCU soccer family. We fully support the conference's decision to suspend fall sports, and we agree that the health and safety of our student-athletes and their overall welfare will always be our highest priority. We now turn our focus on planning and preparing for a potential spring season. Our great coaching staff, incredible athletic administration and medical professionals will support our dedicated student-athletes, and we will utilize this fall to continue to build and develop a confident and competitive soccer family on and off the field! This situation and adversity will only make us stronger, and we are excited to work together and to support each other as we build towards an exciting spring season."
Chris Cissell, women's soccer
"Today is a hard day for the GCU women's volleyball family. Our top priority is always the health and safety of our student-athletes. I support the WAC's decision to suspend our fall season during this unprecedented time. It doesn't make the reality of it any easier for our program. We will do what we always do and tackle those problems one at a time and together as a family. The only thing we can control is when we are told we can play, we will be ready to not only compete, but to win. To all of our loyal fans I will offer you this: GCU will be back and we will be better than ever. The team, staff and administration look forward to the day that we are back in GCU Arena competing in front of our faithful fans."
Tim Nollan, women's volleyball