DCC Athletics Springs Seasons Cancelled
After receiving a directive from the National Junior College Athletic Association on Monday, Dawson Community College cancelled their baseball, softball and track seasons. Originally the NJCAA had suspended activities until April 3 before finally deciding to cancel the seasons. In a press release from the NJCAA, President and CEO Dr. Christopher Parker stated, “In light of the progressive evolvement of the COVID-19 situation, the NJCAA has decided to end all competition for the remainder of the academic year.”
Baseball and softball at DCC were in full swing. Baseball had played 13 games of their forty game season while softball was 7 games into their forty game season. Softball had high expectations after a remarkable 43 win season a year ago when they came within a game of the NJCAA World Series. They returned most of that team and began the season ranked in the top 25. The track and field team was slated to compete in 5 meets during March and April.
The NJCAA has promised that no spring-sport student-athlete who was enrolled at a member college in 2020 will be charged a year of participation so the student-athletes from this year’s team would be eligible to come back and play another year at Dawson or could move on to a four-year college with an extra year of eligibility.
Along with not being able to compete, the athletic teams will also not be allowed to practice according to the directive from the NJCAA. All on- and off-campus recruiting is also prohibited until April 15.
Dawson Athletic Director Joe Peterson commented, “It is disappointing for the players and coaches who put so much work into preparing for this spring season, but we understand it’s in the best interest of the overall health for everyone involved and for the country. In times like this, we don’t need to think selfishly, but instead need to focus on what’s best for everyone. Athletics are an important part of our college and our community, but there are things that are more important and need to take precedence.”
The college is currently on an extended spring break and is working on transitioning classes to remote instructional platforms to resume on March 23. Campus is still open, but students will not be required to return to campus after Spring Break.
