Hofstra Suspends Fall Sports Season Due To Coronavirus

HEMPSTEAD, NY — Hofstra University announced on Friday that it would be suspending its fall sports season due to the coronavirus pandemic, but will try to reschedule the sports for the spring semester.

The university said the decision was made to protect the health and safety of student-athletes, as well as coaches and staff.

"We understand today's announcement is difficult for our Hofstra community and particularly our student-athletes, coaches and staff," said Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. in a statement. "The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a multitude of incredible challenges to our athletics program. Each and every decision made during this time has been made with student-athlete, coach and staff welfare, safety and health at the forefront. While our fall sports teams will not be competing, we will continue to plan for the return of our athletic teams to their respective fields of play. Under the guidelines of CDC, local, state and Hofstra University, we will pursue a safe return to sports when the situation dictates."

Hofstra's decision comes just a day after the New York State Public High School Athletic Association announced that it was delaying the start of the high school fall sport season from Aug. 24 to Sept. 21.

Although Hofstra's teams will not be competing, athletes will still be able to practice to keep themselves in shape, provided they follow health and safety guidelines.

As of now, Hofstra plans to continue its winter and spring sport season as normal. It is also working to reschedule fall sports during the spring semester.