IUP president Michael Driscoll says he’s pleased that the PSAC spring sports schedule is on track and he is “hopeful that Covid-19 won’t get in the way.”
The conference yesterday announced that it will proceed with the mandated schedules and championships for the spring sports, which include men’s and women’s outdoor track & field, tennis, golf, baseball, softball, and women’s lacrosse.
The Board of Directors, which is comprised of the presidents of the eighteen PSAC member schools, is expected to deliberate the fate of the winter sports next week. Those sports include men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, indoor track & field, and swimming.
IUP athletic director Todd Garzarelli greeted the PSAC announcement with mixed emotions. He said he is heartbroken for the fall student-athletes but the athletic department and university are in full support of the decision. He also said they will “continue to work together to find possible opportunities for fall sports to compete this spring.”
HERE ARE THE FULL STATEMENTS BY DRISCOLL AND GARZARELLI:
“I am pleased that we are pushing forward to offer spring sports this year. Student-athletes in spring sports had no competition in spring 2019 and we need to do all we can to get them back in the game. I am hopeful that COVID-19 won’t get in the way.”
~ Dr. Driscoll
“Today’s announcement from the PSAC brings a mix of emotions, as our student-athletes both positively and negatively affected. Although I am heartbroken for our fall student-athletes, our athletic department and university are in full support of the PSAC Board of Directors and their decision. However, under the proper guidance we will continue to work together to find possible opportunities for fall sports to compete this spring.
I remain optimistic at the possibility of a winter sports season and I am excited for our spring student-athletes as the conference still plans on proceeding in 2021. In addition, we will continue to work together to find possible opportunities for fall sports to compete this spring.
I want to thank our medical professionals, athletic trainers, coaches and staff who have been diligently working together toward a safer return since the summer. As an athletic department, we will continue to work with our university, medical staff, conference, and association membership to ensure we put our student-athletes’ health and well-being at the forefront of our decisions.”
~ Todd Garzarelli
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