OAC cuts spring sports

The Ohio Athletic Conference announced March 12 all sports activities in the spring have been canceled because of the growing concern of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The decision is effective March 16 and will continue through the remainder of the academic year. It includes all athletically related activities as defined by the NCAA. In addition, all meetings, practices and other offseason activities for other sports have also been canceled. That includes spring football practices for all OAC schools.

John Carroll and Baldwin Wallace are the Greater Cleveland universities that are part of the 10-team conference, which also includes the likes of Mount Union, Ohio Northern, Heidelberg, Capital, Otterbein, Wilmington, Marietta and Muskingum. “While we recognize the profound disappointment that will be felt by the many student-athletes, parents, fans and coaches, the ongoing spread and uncertainty of COVID-19 have made the continuation of athletic activities untenable,” said the conference statement. OAC men’s and women spring sports include baseball, softball, track and field, lacrosse, golf and tennis.

Individual OAC institutions will decide the NCAA championship participation status and remaining practice/meetings needs of winter teams and student-athletes who have qualified.

John Carroll announced March 12 student-athletes who qualified for NCAA DIII tournaments in wrestling, indoor track & field and swimming will not be able to compete.

Several OAC-related functions have been canceled. That includes the OAC’s Clyde Lamb Awards Banquet scheduled for May, and John Carroll’s 100-year celebration of sports gala scheduled in downtown Cleveland for this spring.

The conference plans to appeal to the NCAA to regain a season of eligibility and an extra semester to participate for all spring student-athletes who have participated at OAC schools.