The hope remains for winter and spring sports to be played
Clark College is opting out of sports for the fall season.
As of now, the Northwest Athletic Conference still plans to hold cross country in a modified schedule this fall, but Clark College announced Tuesday via press release that its athletes will not compete.
The other fall sports were moved to winter or spring seasons earlier this month.
“This is by far the most difficult decision I have had to make since taking on this role,” said Laura LeMasters, director at athletics at Clark College. “Ultimately, the student safety and experience was at the forefront of our conversation, along with the safety of our coaches, trainers, and department staff.”
LeMasters said the college will work with local health authorities to come up with a plan to return to play.
The press release noted that if the NWAC moves cross country to the winter, there would be a possibility of Clark athletes running then.
The decision also means no practice nor training for volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and track and field. Those sports are on the schedule later in the academic year, and the hope remains that they will be played. Clark College will consider the status of those sports and those seasons in the future, the release said.
The college will honor athletic aid that cross county athletes were offered. Clark College also will help in the transition process for any student-athlete who wishes to transfer to another school.
Along with cross country, the NWAC is hoping to have a golf season in the fall. Clark College does not have a golf program.
