Mid-American Conference Announces Postponement of Fall Sports

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has announced the postponement of all
scheduled fall contests, as well as MAC championships, due to continuing concerns related to the COVID-
19 global pandemic. The Council of Presidents unanimously voted to take this action with the health and
safety of its student-athletes, coaches and communities as its top priority.

The fall sports affected are men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s soccer, women’s
soccer and women’s volleyball. At this time, there have been no decisions made regarding winter sports.

“The decision is grounded in the core values of the Conference that prioritize student-athlete well-being,
an area the MAC has traditionally taken a leadership role,” said MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher.
“Clearly, we are charting a conservative path – and it is one that has been recommended by our medical
advisory group. It is a decision that affects roughly 2,500 student-athletes who live for the moment to
compete. Those opportunities and moments are fleeting, and our student-athletes have a limited window
in which to showcase their talent, passion, and drive for excellence. I am heartbroken we are in this place.
However, I take comfort and want to give assurance to our student-athletes, coaches, and fans that we
have their best interest at heart, and we will make every effort to provide competitive opportunities in the
spring.”

“This decision is in the best interest of all Mid-American Conference student-athletes, athletics departments
and university communities,” said MAC Council of Presidents’ Chair and University at Buffalo President Dr.
Satish K. Tripathi. “The Council of Presidents has always maintained that the health, safety and well-being
of everyone within our conference, especially our student-athletes, is our top priority.”

“This was not an easy decision but one that we had to make in the best interest of our student-athletes,
coaches and institutions,” said MAC Chair of the Council of Director of Athletics and Miami Director of
Athletics David Sayler. “It is our responsibility to give our student-athletes an experience that allows them
to participate at the highest level in the safest manner possible. After consulting with our Medical Advisory
Panel, we felt there were just too many unknowns surrounding the pandemic for us to proceed with the
fall season.”

The MAC has begun formalizing plans for the 2021 spring semester. The Conference will continue to consult
with its Medical Advisory Panel and will monitor developments surrounding the pandemic with state and
local health officials, the CDC, WHO and governmental entities.

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