NESCAC cancels its conference winter schedule

The NESCAC announced Thursday it has canceled all winter sports conference and championship play in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The 11-school league includes Wesleyan, Trinity and Connecticut College. The conference said in a statement that member schools have limited travel off campuses and have modified the academic calendar, resulting in students returning to schools for the second semester in late January and early February of next year.

“Among other things, the timing of students’ return to campus means there will not be enough time to conduct meaningful conference play,” the statement said.

The NESCAC announced in July it was canceling fall sports.

The winter sports announcement does not prevent schools from scheduling non-conference competition. The league said in its statement that “planning continues for the possibility of spring competition.”

“We understand this decision will disappoint many of our students, given the important role athletics plays in the student experience,” the league said in its statement. “We remain committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our students to engage in athletic activities. Students may continue to participate in practice activities, strength and conditioning, skill development and leadership programming in accordance with NCAA, Conference and institutional policies, as well as state and local health guidelines. Institutions may schedule outside competition at their discretion.”