MINNEAPOLIS -- In response to growing concerns about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) recently announced the cancelation of athletic competition for the remainder of the academic year. Late last week, several NCAA Division III conferences made similar moves after the NCAA canceled the remainder of its winter and spring championships. On Thursday, the neighboring University of Minnesota canceled all remaining Athletics events. North Central, as one of nine UMAC full member institutions, is in support of the league's decision to cancel remaining athletics activities.

"This is a sad day for student-athletes at North Central, in the UMAC, and nationwide," said Greg Johnson, NCU Director of Athletics. He continued, "I especially sympathize with our graduating seniors who may not have gotten that last at-bat, serve, or run across the finish line. However, the health and wellbeing of our student-athletes and coaches is paramount in my eyes. By canceling what remains of our spring sports seasons, we are able to mitigate the effects that the COVID-19 virus could have on our population and the rest of our campus community."

Johnson added, "I'm grateful to our coaches and the leadership they have provided over the last week. Our athletics staff and campus administration has been extremely understanding and flexible throughout a volatile week of unknowns and uncharted territory."

NCU students and families are encouraged to visit the university's COVID-19 information page for campus-wide updates:

https://www.northcentral.edu/emergency-management/coronavirus-covid-19-information/