Warren Wilson College announces cancellation of fall athetics

Swannanoa college cites safety concerns related to COVID-19

The Valley Echo
July 15, 2020

Warren Wilson College has announced the cancellation of all competitive athletics for the fall semester.

“The Athletics and Adventure Sports Department has been working tirelessly to determine how to properly support and conduct athletics this fall. However, with the increasing concerns about the virus as it relates to athletics, the college has determined that conducting outside competition safely is not possible at this time. The safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, and community is our highest priority,” said Joni Williamson, director of athletics and adventure sports at Warren Wilson College.

On July 9, the college’s cycling conference, the Southeastern Collegiate Cycling Conference, canceled the mountain bike season. Additionally, on Monday, July 13, the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) suspended its fall championships. These decisions directly impact sports opportunities for the college, as well as support the concerns about conducting sports safely, according to Williamson.

While Warren Wilson athletes will not be competing this fall, as guidelines permit, student-athletes will still be able to participate in team and practice activities within an environment that promotes teamwork, physical fitness, leadership opportunities, campus competition, mental discipline and more.

These activities will be conducted within the college’s health protocols as well as state, NCAA and USCAA guidelines, rules and regulations. If possible, fall sports may be moved to the spring for further participation opportunities.

A decision on the status of winter and spring sports will come at a later date, but no outside competition will be permitted until Jan. 4, 2021.