CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The collegiate pitches and courts will be silent this fall in the Maritimes.
The Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) pulled the plug on the fall sports schedule Tuesday due to the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic. It comes a day after the Atlantic University Sport made a similar decision.
“It’s a major disappointment for everyone involved,” said Holland College athletics director Albert Roche. “First and foremost, it’s the student-athletes.”
Tuesday’s decision impacts soccer, cross country and women’s rugby as well as the beginning of the volleyball, basketball and badminton seasons across the region, plus women’s hockey at Holland College. A further decision on the winter sports will be made later with the potential of a January start date for a condensed schedule.
“Holland Hurricanes varsity and club teams are a great source of pride for our college, and the athletics program provides student-athletes with the opportunity to participate in high-level competition and continue their academic path,” said college president Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald. “Holland Hurricanes teams have helped to increase the profile of Holland College and we have been proud to host regional and national championships here. Above all, we want our student-athletes to know that we are committed to athletics for the long-term, and for them, this will be a time to focus on training and preparing for when their time arrives to compete.”
About 275 students represent Holland College in a variety of sports. The college is preparing for its 16th season since athletics returned fulltime to campus.
The ACAA said it is hopeful there might be some form of programming available at each university/college this fall. That might include small group training and conditioning events.
“We have a pause in competition,” Roche said. “We just keep going because we have to have our athletes ready for competition when it kicks back up. …
“We want to be very supportive and proactive in terms of providing the utmost of opportunity for them to stay engaged in their sport. We’re exhausting everything we can to create (opportunities).”
The college is honouring all financial awards to its student-athletes and retaining its head coaches. There will be some jobs impacted, including assistant coaches and game day personnel without fall competitions.
Roche was appreciative of the support from Holland College administration.
“That show of support is a clear indication of the work that’s been done to position athletics as a primary tool for recruitment to Holland College,” he said.
“We see it not only as a vote of confidence but also a challenge to raise the bar and continue to do our work and communicate with student-athlete, and students in general, that this institution is progressive and has a lot to offer.”
The Atlantic Football League also announced the cancellation of its 2020 season on Tuesday. Holland College played in the four-team league and is tied with UNB Fredericton for the most championships (four) in the 11-year league history. Holland College last won the title in 2015, capping off a three-year championship run.
