MAC becomes latest conference to postpone fall sports

The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) became the latest college sports league to postpone fall athletics due to the coronavirus pandemic on Friday.

The 18-member conference that includes Albright College, Alvernia University and Widener

stated a tentative plan to move fall sports to spring while additionally pushing the start of winter sports to 2021.

The fall sports impacted by this decision are cross country, field hockey, football, soccer and volleyball. The winter sports that will be put on hold are basketball, ice hockey, swimming, indoor track and field, and wrestling.

“This decision was very difficult, as we know how deep the love of the game is for our student-athletes and that intercollegiate events are an important part of campus life for our entire community,” Dr. Andrea E. Chapdelaine, MAC President’s Council Chair, said in the press release. “However, we are confident that our coaches and athletic staff will

work with the students to build an engaging athletic experience for our studentathletes while mitigating the risk of COVID-19.”

The release stated MAC presidents, athletics directors and the MAC COVID-19 Advisory Group will continue to evaluate the prospect of fall sports being played in the spring while crafting health and safety measures to ensure a safe reopening of league sports.

The MAC joins fellow Pa. Division III conference, the Centennial Conference, in postponing fall sports, as well as Division II PSAC, and Division I Ivy League and Patriot League.