Limestone University will have to wait a little bit longer to play its first game as a full member of the South Atlantic Conference, but the Saints may get to play a conference-only slate this fall as the league announced that its traditional fall seasons will be delayed until at least Sept. 26.
The announcement by the SAC Presidents Council, which is in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, pushes the start of fall seasons in football, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, men’s and women’s cross country, and women’s volleyball back to Sept. 26. Teams may begin preseason practice, per NCAA bylaws, in the fall semester if health and safety conditions allow for these activities.
The start of the winter seasons, which includes men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, and men’s wrestling currently remain unchanged. Spring championship sports may be allowed to begin out-of-season training and practices after Sept. 26 or as NCAA bylaws allow.
“This was a very difficult decision, but one we feel has the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and fans in mind,” stated SAC Commissioner Patrick Britz.” We all understand the desire to get back out there and play games, but the health and safety of our student-athletes take precedence over playing at this time. While this does not guarantee our fall sports will be able to compete during their traditional season, a delayed start gives us the best chance to continue to monitor the situation.”
Athletic teams will begin reporting to campus on Monday, Aug. 10 and classes at Limestone University will begin Monday, Aug. 7.