General | 7/20/2020 6:09:00 PM

SWAC Releases Statement Regarding Fall Sports Competition

LORMAN, Miss. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) announced Monday that all member institutions, including Alcorn State University will postpone competition for fall sports.
 
The conference has started the process of formalizing plans to conduct a competitive schedule for the fall sports during the 2021 spring semester.
 
Specifically, in the sport of football the plan includes a seven-game schedule beginning with an eight-week training period in January 2021. Each member institution will play a total of six conference games (four divisional/two non-divisional) with the option to play one non-conference game. 
 
Additional details regarding scheduling for women's soccer, women's volleyball, men's and women's cross country along with the Cricket Wireless SWAC Football Championship game will be released at a later date.
 
The decision was made due to the significant challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The SWAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors this action was necessary out of growing concern for the health, safety and well-being both mentally and physically of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, team staff, campus faculty, fans and supporters.
 
"The rapid escalation of COVID-19 cases around the country heavily influenced the decision, as well as data that suggests that the African-American and other minority communities are being disproportionately affected. Decisions of this magnitude are made in the best of interest of the health and safety of everyone involved," said director of athletics Derek Horne. "Our goal remains the same moving forward, and that is to enhance the experience of the student-athletes to the best of our abilities. We will do everything we can to create an environment where our student-athletes can thrive academically and continue their excellence in a safe and supportive manner. As a conference and institution, we will all work together to get through this challenging time."
 
Fall sports teams and student-athletes will have the opportunity to attend classes and practices in preparation for a spring 2021 competitive schedule upon return to campus. Student-athletes will have the ability to participate in conditioning, strength training and practices in all sports provided all required local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines are met.
 
There have been no final decisions made regarding competitive schedules for the league's winter and spring sports at this time.     
 
#FearTheBrave | #UnitedAsOne