UNH postpones its fall sports season
DURHAM, N.H. (BVM) — Like many around the country, the University of New Hampshire decided to make some rearrangements to its upcoming sports season. With many universities having to change their plans, the university decided to postpone its fall sports season.
UNH director of athletics Marty Scarano offered some insight into the process before the university came to a final decision.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we are announcing the postponement of all fall sport programs due to the COVID pandemic,鈥� Scarano . “For months, we have worked diligently alongside our campus and league partners to establish safe protocols and practices that would protect our student-athletes, coaches, staff and the greater community. As of the last few weeks it has become obvious that the trend line and scientific data indicates the virus is not under control and continues to present a significant risk.”
The University of New Hampshire鈥檚 athletic director also offered some insight into how student athletes will be affected during this time.
鈥淭his decision will now allow our student-athletes to assimilate with the rest of the UNH student body upon return and adhere to the extensive re-socialization protocols established by the university,鈥� Scarano said. 鈥淥nce classes commence and the established safety protocols are satisfied, the athletes will be allowed to practice and work out under the strict auspices of federal, state and university standards.”
With the football season on the horizon before the postponement, many UNH fans were looking forward to seeing coach Sean McDonnell back on the sidelines. After being on medical leave throughout the 2019 season due to bladder cancer, McDonnell has been back in charge for the Wildcats鈥� offseason.聽
UNH had three non-conference games on their football schedule before the postponement. The Wildcats could likely lose their matchup against the University of Kansas who plays in the Big 12. The Big 12 has recently been considering a conference-only schedule for the upcoming football season.
Along with football, UNH will postpone the seasons of their other fall sports which include, men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 soccer, men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 cross country, and field hockey.
Both Wildcats鈥� soccer teams are coming off of solid 2019 campaigns. The men鈥檚 soccer team was able to cap off their year with a 15-2-3 record, while the women鈥檚 team finished with a 10-8 record.聽
“All athletic scholarships remain in place for this academic year and eligibility will be honored per NCAA legislation,” Scarano said. “We, along with our league affiliates, will embark immediately on pursuing the feasibility of moving the fall sport programs to a spring season.”
