Temple University Athletics
BIG EAST Announces Fall Sports Postponement
8.12.20 | Field Hockey
"We support the Big East's decision to postpone fall sports and stand with our leadership in making this incredibly difficult decision during these unprecedented times," head field hockey coach Susan Ciufo said. "This was the best decision for our student-athlete's long-term health as well as their student-athlete experience. I am heartbroken for our family but so proud of our team for their ability to work through adversity every step of the way. Our ladies have shown great leadership and intrinsic motivation over the last few months and we know that isn't going anywhere as we gear up for fall training on the pitch. I look forward, with the help of my phenomenal staff, to giving our student-athletes the best experience this fall with our creative thinking. The intent to play fall sports in the spring of 2021 gives our ladies an opportunity to continue to work hard toward our goal of getting 1% better every day while we continue to develop our bond as a family. We are always excited for the opportunity to compete. Luckily for us, we compete every day with ourselves to be better than we were the day before."
The decision was made in consultation with the BIG EAST COVID-19 Task Force, an intra-conference medical advisory group that includes administrators, doctors, athletic trainers, student-athletes and national experts in global pandemics and infectious diseases.
"This very difficult decision came after an exhaustive review by our Presidents and Athletics Directors and followed consideration of NCAA guidance, COVID-19 case counts and trend lines nationally and in BIG EAST communities, and the many unknowns surrounding testing availability, turnaround time and travel restrictions in our 11 locales," said BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman. "We take pride in the high-level competition and experiences we provide to our fall sports student-athletes, and we share their deep disappointment that this will not be a normal year. Our plans for men's and women's basketball and other sports are unaffected at this time."
During the fall months, BIG EAST student-athletes will be allowed to participate in various team activities, such as practices, strength and conditioning sessions, and team meetings, consistent with individual campus policies, public health guidelines and NCAA and Conference regulations. The BIG EAST COVID Task Force will continue to monitor COVID-19 conditions across the country and in BIG EAST communities. Decisions on winter and spring sports schedules will be made at a later time.
