Baseball, softball, and track and field called off at Clark
Baseball, softball, and track and field athletes at Clark College received some tough news in recent days, with emails from the college and discussions with coaches and teammates.
On Tuesday, Clark College made it official: No spring sports this academic year.
After reviewing the Northwest Athletic Conference’s updated return to play plan, Clark College has opted out of spring sports.
“We need to maintain our strong COVID mitigation plan that prioritizes the health and safety of our students and staff,” said Karin Edwards, president of Clark College via a press release. “Our focus is to develop a return-to-play plan for sports for fall term 2021.”
Many colleges in the NWAC are going forward with plans to compete in baseball, softball, and men’s and women’s track and field.
“I know this is disappointing news for our student athletes, especially for those in their sophomore years who have not had the opportunity to compete during COVID-19,” Edwards said.
Laura LeMasters, the college’s athletic director, said Clark values each student athlete. The college will honor scholarships and aid.
“We are working with our student athletes to see who we can best support them and help them be successful in their athletic and academic careers,” LeMasters said.
The college has a Recovery Management Team that is tasked with the process of bringing back students, staff, and faculty to the campus safely and gradually. The hope is for a full return of sports in the fall.
“I think many of us are feeling as though we are done with this virus and ready to move on, but it’s clear the virus is not done with us,” Edwards said. “We must continue to be cautious and prudent in our decision-making.”
