Dear Members of the Curry College Community,

Earlier today, the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) announced its decision to suspend all athletic competition for the Fall 2020 semester. This was an extremely difficult decision, which was made only after a great deal of deliberation. The conference considered all options and strategized extensively to discern ways in which competition could take place this season. Ultimately though, based on the federal, state and campus information and guidelines at this time, the decision not to participate in fall intercollegiate competition was made with the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff members at the forefront.

This news is especially frustrating for our student-athletes, who have continued to train all spring and summer under diverse circumstances, with enthusiastic anticipation of competing with their teammates and representing Curry this fall. While we all share their disappointment, we were also prepared for this possibility, given the changing landscape that the continuation of the COVID pandemic has engendered. However, our goal is to provide our entire community with a top-notch experience, and at this time we are not confident the fall season would be either safe or manageable, due to the restrictions resulting from the virus.

In the coming weeks, Curry Athletics department staff will be working with coaches to develop guidelines on conditioning and strength training, as well as practice opportunities that will allow student-athletes to conduct safe training in some capacity upon their return to campus, if state guidelines and health and safety conditions allow. Though the season will most certainly be different from any before it, we will continue to explore ways for our student-athletes to actively engage with their coaches and teammates, including the possibility of competing during the spring season.

At this time, the CCC is still considering plans of action for the remainder of the fall semester, including winter sports that are scheduled to start their seasons this fall. Currently a proposed start date of January 1^st has been established, but this date will be re-evaluated throughout the fall semester as the current NCAA and public health landscape evolves. Per the CCC, spring sports currently remain on schedule as planned, with the exception of canceling their non-traditional fall play date. In addition, should NCAA legislation permit fall sports teams to conduct athletic activities and competition in the Spring 2021 semester, CCC schedules and championships may be adjusted accordingly. Final determinations will be made at a later date.

Fall student-athletes will return to campus with all Curry students beginning on August 10. Please monitor your Curry email closely for communications from the Office of Housing and Residential Life concerning your move in date and related details. Coaches will contact student-athletes soon thereafter to provide information on practices, workouts, and other related matters.

This is a time of great challenge, and I know we are all saddened by this unfortunate but necessary decision. Nevertheless, we will continue our work to fully support our student-athletes and coaching staff, and we will take this opportunity to demonstrate the resilience and unity that are proud hallmarks of our Colonels and our College. We look forward to competing even more strongly in the future, and in the meantime, to keeping our entire Curry community safe and healthy.

Vinnie Eruzione

Director of Athletics

Curry College

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