As of last week, UFV has indefinitely paused their athletic teams
Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, UFV Athletics has indefinitely paused their athletics department until further notice. The statement released on March 29 confirms that all team activities are paused; however, certain recreational facilities can stay open in limited fashion. Despite this announcement, the department had planned for a break leading into their summer season, but this now accelerates that plan. Most Cascades teams/athletes were not competing anyways, and there is still no word on a potential baseball season for UFV’s championship-quality squad.
Dan Kinvig, communication coordinator for the Cascades, confirmed that despite these new restrictions, no years of eligibility will be stripped from players due to COVID-19 protocols. This does, however, potentially signal the conclusion of a number of player’s careers at UFV due to their degrees being finished. With no reason to continue going to school, the Cascades that graduate may choose not to return upon the start of the hopeful 2021-22 seasons.
Steve Tuckwood, director of athletics and campus reaction, was available for comment: “As the variant numbers continue to rise in our health authority and with the third wave arriving, it did not make sense to risk the health and safety of everyone to continue in-person practices.”
Tuckwood went on to say: “Obviously we are most disappointed for our graduating student-athletes, who would have never expected their varsity careers to end on such a note. We will ensure we have a proper opportunity to recognize and celebrate our seniors.”
Something of note for UFV fans is the commitment and determination of the Cascades throughout the pandemic, according to Tuckwood.
“What has impressed me the most about our student-athletes this year is that they stuck it out,” he said. “They kept their commitment to the program even though in the back of their minds they knew that games were probably not going to happen. I applaud them for that commitment. They taught all of us the true meaning of perseverance.”
Stay tuned for new UFV Athletics announcements, as the program usually has their summer plans set by May.
(Mika Baumeister / Unsplash)
