GNAC decision to suspend fall season affects UAA and UAF sports

Today, the Great Northwest Athletic Conference CEO Board announced that it would suspend all fall intercollegiate athletic competitions through Nov. 30. 

“Today’s meeting resulted in the extremely difficult, yet unanimous decision by the GNAC CEO Board to suspend all fall athletic competition until at least Nov. 30 due to the ongoing and increasing risks associated with the pandemic,” said University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Cathy Saneen. “This is not a conclusion any of us would choose if not confronted with such a real threat to the collective health of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, fans and supporters.

The decision affects volleyball and cross-country at UAA and the same sports plus basketball at UAF. 

“This prudent decision prioritizes the health, safety and well-being of our Alaska Nanooks student-athletes and staff, and was not made lightly,” said Keith Champagne, UAF vice chancellor for student affairs and athletics, in a message to Alaska Nanooks staff, student-athletes and supporters. “I also want to make it clear that this is a suspension of fall competition, not a cancellation. The possibility of shifting fall season competition to the spring is still on the table.”

No decisions have been made yet regarding winter or spring sports, including non-GNAC sports. UAA and UAF anticipate decisions for winter and spring sports will be made in early fall on official practice start dates and conference (and non-conference) competitions.

For more information about the GNAC decision, visit http://www.gnacsports.com/gnac/news/2020-21/13959/gnac-ceo-board-suspends-fall-athletic-competition/.