NORFOLK, Va., July 16, 2020 – The Council of Presidents and Chancellors of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announces that the league will suspend all sports competition, championship and non-championship segments, for the 2020 fall season, as a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. A decision is yet to be made on whether fall sports schedules will be moved to the 2021 spring semester.
The conference currently plans to proceed with winter sports competitions as scheduled, unless health and medical professionals advise otherwise. We will apprise the public on further decisions.
The Council of Presidents and Chancellors took this action out of a concern for the safety as well as the physical and mental health of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, support staff, faculty and fans. The rapid escalation of COVID-19 cases along the eastern seaboard heavily influenced the council's decision as the data suggests that the African American and other minority communities are being disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The MEAC is committed to ensuring that the correct measures are in place to reduce exposure to the virus.
"The health and safety of our student-athletes continue to be our number one priority. We have made the decision to suspend all sports competitions after careful review of the current conditions and consideration of the potential exposure that regular travel to competitions may cause and ongoing extensive physical contact," said Howard University President and Chair of MEAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick. "While our competitions have been suspended, each member institution will plan ongoing engagement of all student-athletes to ensure optimization of their physical and mental well-being as they continue their matriculation."
"Obviously this is an arduous decision because everyone wants to have a fall season for student-athletes, fans and others," said MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas. "Part of our responsibility is to ensure the mental and physical health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff is paramount. It is imperative that everyone recognize that is our first and foremost responsibility."
MEAC institutions will continue the resocialization process for student-athletes which encompasses mental and physical health counseling, strength and conditioning protocol and compliance with all COVID-19 safety requirements.
Further updates will be made as so warranted.
About the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) celebrates its 50th year of intercollegiate competition with the 2020-21 academic school year. Located in Norfolk, Va., the MEAC is made up of 11 outstanding historically black institutions across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University and South Carolina State University.
North Carolina Central University Statement on Behalf of Chancellor Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye and Athletics Director Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree:
July 16, 2020
Dear NCCU Community,
The championship-winning NCCU Eagles athletics program is an integral part of the university. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff remain our No. 1 priority. Today, the decision was made by the MEAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors to suspend all fall 2020 sports due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The overriding and most important factor in coming to this difficult conclusion about our fall athletics season was to ensure we protect the well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, athletics staff and fans as COVID-19 remains a health emergency for communities across our state, nation and the world. This decision was reached after thoughtful discussion and advisement by health experts, though we know it is disappointing for the student-athletes who have worked so hard. We will continue to provide student-athlete well-being services to include academic support, mental health, and strength and conditioning throughout the academic year.
More than ever, North Carolina Central University needs your support, especially for our student-athletes, during this pandemic. Please continue to stay safe and do your part to help decrease the spread of the coronavirus.
Please read the full news release from the
MEAC here.
In Truth and Service,
Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Ingrid Wicker McCree, Ed.D.
Athletics Director
