MAAC Cancels Fall Sports, Impacting Marist Soccer, Cross Country and Volleyball

Due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) cancelled all fall sports competition. This announcement immediately impacts women’s and men’s soccer, women’s and men’s cross country and volleyball, according to a press release from Marist Athletics.

This decision does not impact the Marist football program –– which competes in the Pioneer Football League –– but the team will not play in non-league games. A decision about the football season is expected in the coming weeks.

“Consistent with Marist’s fall sports, it is presumed that the Red Foxes’ football season may be postponed barring significant improvements related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the press release included.

Marist pledged to honor all academic and athletic scholarships for fall athletes. While formal practices will not be permitted, student athletes can continue to train. Training must adhere to the NCAA’s “Resocialization of Collegiate Sport: Developing Standards for Practice and Competition” as well as state and local regulations.

MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor said in a statement that the MAAC Executive Committee and the Committee on Athletic Administration will consider opportunities to provide a schedule of competitions in the spring of 2021.

“It is the goal of the MAAC to ensure it recognizes a MAAC champion in each sport and it will review possible championship formats for the fall sports in accordance with evolving state and local regulations,” Ensor said.

MAAC Council of Presidents met today to finalize this decision to cancel fall sports. The council recognized the disappointment this decision brings athletes, fans and supporters.

“This is extremely disappointing, but it’s the right decision. We’ll continue to monitor local and state guidelines to ensure that our student-athletes are kept safe and healthy,” President Dennis J. Murray said.

Source: Georgia Reidy