CLEVELAND — Due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, Cleveland State University and the Horizon League have announced that fall sports will not begin until at least October 1.
The delay in competition includes all exhibition, League and non-League contests in all sports (championship and non-championship).
“I share the disappointment that our Viking student-athletes are experiencing during these challenging times, but remain hopeful that they will be able to represent Cleveland State University in athletics competition in the near future,” shared CSU Director of Athletics Scott Garrett. “We will continue to monitor local conditions, and will work with CSU leadership, the Horizon League staff, and counterparts leading the conference’s other member institutions to plan for a return to competition whenever it is determined feasible to do so safely. We look forward to welcoming our student-athletes back to campus soon.”
Decisions related to training and practice will be left to member schools' discretion.
Rescheduling of non-conference contests impacted by the postponed start of the fall seasons will be determined by each school.
"Guided by its core value of student-athlete well-being, the Horizon League Council decided on Thursday, July 16 to delay the start of fall competition for all sports (championship and non-championship) with the understanding that if competition occurs, it will not begin before October 1. The decision allows each campus to further focus on ensuring return to competition protocols uphold the Council’s principle of safety and can be reasonably implemented," the Horizon League said in a statement announcing the decision.
