GLIAC Suspends All Sports Through Calendar Year

MICHIGAN — The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Council of Presidents and CHancellors has voted unanimously to suspend all sports competition until 2021, the conference announced Wednesday.

The vote took place Tuesday, with conference officials citing risks and safety protocols relating to the coronavirus pandemic in their decision. The move impacts nine universities in Michigan.

“Our council of presidents and GLIAC athletic directors weighed this decision from every angle, hoping to find a feasible option for student-athletes to compete this fall, but in the end, the potential risks to student-athletes, coaches, support staff and fans made fall competition impossible,” said Dr. Richard Pappas of Davenport University, who is the GLIAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors chair for 2020-21. “Plans to provide fall teams with competition opportunities during the spring semester are a priority for the league.

"We look forward to getting our student-athletes back on campus so they can resume training, and our members remain devoted to providing a quality student-athlete experience despite these challenging circumstances.”

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The conference said student-athletes will still have opportunities to practice and take part in athletic training programs in adherence to NCAA, institutional, local and state guidelines.

“The decision to suspend all sports competition this fall was extremely difficult," GLIAC Commissioner Kris Dunbar said. "After thoroughly reviewing federal, state, and NCAA SSI (Sport Science Institute) and Board of Governor's guidelines, it became apparent that conducting contests and championships this fall was insurmountable.

"My frustration and sadness for the coaches, student-athletes, families and fans is unmitigated. The league will continue to work on protocols for a safe return for our athletic programs, with the health and safety of our student-athletes and staff taking the highest priority.”

GLIAC officials said the conference will continue to gather information and monitor developments in order to best determine a competitive structure during the second semester.

The winter and spring sports competition calendar will be announced at a later date.

The move comes after the Big Ten, which features five Michigan schools, canceled its fall sports season.

Michigan teams currently in the conference include Davenport University in Grand Rapids; Ferris State University in Big Rapids; Grand Valley State University in Allendale; Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie; Michigan Technological University in Houghton; Northern Michigan University in Marquette; Northwood University in Midland; Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, near Saginaw; and Wayne State University in Detroit.

Ferris State posted a statement regarding the decision on its athletics Twitter page:

Wayne State Athletic Director Rob Fournier released a statement regarding the decision Wednesday.

"I know this decision is disappointing to not just our student-athletes but our coaches, staff and community who look forward each year to the excitement and spontaneity of Warrior athletics," Fournier said. "For many the 'routine' of college athletics is a source of pride, inspiration and motivation. We will continue to build on those aspirational goals and prepare for the hopeful opportunity of the promise of each spring."