Mansfield, Mass. - The Council of Presidents of the Northeast-10 Conference voted unanimously on Thursday, July 16, to suspend all NE10-sponsored competition and championships through December 31 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NE10 considers the health and safety of its student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff and wider campus communities to be of paramount importance. Despite each institution's planning over the past few months and the Conference's collective efforts to forge a path forward, it has become clear that we are not able to conduct outside competition, at this time, in a manner that is consistent with the prioritization of our campus' collective well-being.
"It was a heartbreaking decision to have to make -- to delay our student-athletes' play and competition further, especially knowing what they have sacrificed already," commented Adelphi University President, Dr. Christine Riordan.
"My fellow NE10 Conference presidents and I have prioritized our athletes' safety, keeping their education and well-being at the heart of our work. As the mother of a college athlete myself, I appreciate the full range of emotions that our student-athletes and their families are experiencing."
The NE10 and its member institutions are striving to ensure a meaningful regular season and conference championship experience for its fall sport student-athletes during the Spring 2021 semester, as long as a return to competition can be safely executed. Initial plans for spring competition fall sports will be provided at a later date.
"This decision was made with a great deal of thought and discussion using the most relevant information on COVID-19," said Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation, Danny McCabe.
"It is very difficult to, once again, stop competitions as that is what we prepare for, as athletes, every season. However, the safety of our student-athletes and staff is our first priority. We will eventually return to competition and we plan to do so stronger than ever. In the meantime, we are committed to providing the best possible student-athlete experience in the safest manner."
The NE10 will also endeavor to provide a regular-season schedule and/or conference championship experience for its winter sport student-athletes during the Spring 2021 semester, with the intention of aligning with appropriate NCAA selection criteria and dates, as long as a return to competition can be safely executed.
To best support a meaningful but safe student-athlete experience during the fall semester, team activities, practice and training opportunities will be determined and defined by each member institution and shall adhere to NCAA policies and state public health regulations.
NE10 institutions are unanimously committed to honoring athletics aid agreements that have been issued to student-athletes for 2020-21, in accordance to the terms and conditions laid out in those agreements.
"The Northeast-10 Conference Council of Presidents is united in its commitment to supporting local and state efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Campus resocialization guidelines – including restrictions on student and staff travel, social distancing requirements and limits on group gatherings, are being undertaken so that campuses can support in-person engagement and education. Aiding our member campuses in their reopening efforts is critical and, while athletics is an integral part of campus life, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our NE10 community, including our student-athletes, staff and our towns and cities. As such, we have made the difficult decision that intercollegiate athletics competition has been suspended through December 31. We will strive to create meaningful competitive opportunities for our fall sports during the 2020-21 academic year, if it is deemed safe. We do not take this decision lightly and understand its impact. Our campus communities will do everything we can to support the well-being of our student-athletes this fall as we navigate these uncertain times together."
NE10 Council of Presidents
Christine Riordan, Adelphi University
Vince Maniaci, American International College
Francesco Cesareo, Assumption University
Paul Condrin, Bentley University
Kim Mooney, Franklin Pierce University
Linda LeMura, Le Moyne College
Steve Kaplan, University of New Haven
Marvin Krislov, Pace University
Joe Favazza, Saint Anselm College
Lorraine Sterritt, Saint Michael's College
Marcia White, The College of Saint Rose
Joe Bertolino, Southern Connecticut State University
Wil Zemp, Southern New Hampshire University
John Denning, Stonehill College
"I appreciate the sincere dedication of our coaches and athletic staff in maintaining a positive community for our student-athletes during a very challenging time," continued Riordan.
"In the meantime, Adelphi will ensure that our students can train and practice the sports they love with their peers, with phased and careful planning. And, I truly look forward to seeing all our gifted student-athletes compete once more, when we are all safe again."
Student-athletes will follow local campus policies regarding return to campus and in-person learning.
