- Posted in All University
- Category: AthleticsCampus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa - Due to continued concerns related to COVID-19, the Board of Directors for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has voted to cancel all conference scheduling and championship events for spring sponsored sports. This includes the sports of softball, women's tennis, men's and women's outdoor track and field, and men's golf.
Each school that sponsors the affected sports will have the autonomy to schedule competition throughout the season, if desired, to allow teams and student-athletes the opportunity complete and if possible, qualify for NCAA Division II postseason participation should they meet minimum requirements.
"These decisions are never easy, but the mental and physical health as well as the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and communities continues to be our top priority," said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. "While there won't be a traditional conference schedule or championship this spring, the Board agreed that it was important each institution have the option to compete, if they so choose, to ensure balance that supports their student-athletes' mental health and overall wellness. Additionally, we remain committed to developing opportunities that engage all our student-athletes and celebrate their resilience and success."
With the conference decision, the Lincoln University softball program will opt-out of competition for the 2021 season. This was a decision based on numerous factors, including the number of individual student-athletes that have opted out for that sport.
Lincoln University baseball isn't affected by the decision as they are members of the East Coast Conference. The track and field program will continue to participate in their indoor and outdoor seasons.
The conference and its membership will continue to monitor the COVID-19 landscape while following current federal, state, local, NCAA, and campus guidelines with a focus towards future planning for 2021 and beyond.
For the latest information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. You can also like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. In 2020, the conference celebrated the special 75th anniversary of its Championship Basketball Tournament - an event that has become a must-see in the African American community. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. Chowan University is an associate member in football and women's bowling. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
