The world, at this moment, is a sad one for Buccaneer sports fans and athletes. Due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Southern Conference Commissioner Jim Schaus made the decision on March 12 to suspend all athletic competition through March 30.
This suspension is one of many for the sports community. The NCAA has canceled all tournament play, the NBA has temporarily suspended play for at least 30 days, the MLB has delayed opening day and canceled spring training, the SEC has suspended all organized gathering through April 15 and many others.
“Our membership feels that it is imperative to protect the health and welfare of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans by suspending athletic competition due to this very serious virus,” said Schaus in a statement.
Due to these suspensions, spring sports just getting started in their seasons like softball and baseball will now have to take a hiatus from their 2019-20 season. Teams finishing their seasons and preparing for championships and national tournaments, like our very own ETSU men’s basketball team, will be unable to compete.
The suspension also affects sports currently competing, including men’s and women’s tennis, track and field and men’s and women’s golf.
No official decision has been made regarding senior athletes being granted waivers to continue the season that was cut short due to these cancelations or if the season will pick up after these suspensions.
There is much sadness for the athletes unable to compete and fans unable to watch and support. However, many athletes are taking to social media to keep fans updated and keep the community spirit up as we wait for the health of athletes everywhere to be safe again.
College basketball specifically has taken to Twitter to virtually compete in a new, unofficial version of the NCAA tournament created by user @BallTalk365. The College Hoops 24/7 Twitter Tourney, where basketball teams who would have been competing in March Madness are put in a poll where fans everywhere can vote and get their team the win. The Bucs made it to the final after defeating Duke, Creighton, Kansas and Michigan State. ETSU lost to Kentucky by 7.6% on March 15.
To get informed on what is going on with your favorite sports team or conference, follow their official social media platforms. For ETSU Bucs’ updates, follow ETSU teams on social media or check out ETSUBucs.com.
