Statement from Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison regarding the OVC's cancellation of spring athletics competitions at 9 a.m., Monday, March 16:
"We fully support the decision of the OVC Council of Presidents to cancel Spring athletics competitions," said Austin Peay Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison. "While I believe athletics is a part of the tapestry of America, we as leaders must do what's right to protect our student-athletes, coaches and supporters. During this period, Austin Peay athletics will continue our pursuit of excellence and working toward our goal of being the most complete athletics department in the OVC."
The following was released by the Ohio Valley Conference at 9 a.m., Monday, March 16
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The Ohio Valley Conference Board of Presidents have announced effectively immediately the cancelation of all intercollegiate competitions, including OVC Championships, through the end of the 2019-20 academic year due to the COVID-19 public health threat.
Additionally, all team practices will be suspended until April 3, 2020, at which time the impact of the suspension will be re-evaluated. During this time period, student-athletes shall be allowed to be engaged in strength and conditioning and training room activities.Â
The main priority of the OVC is to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans. The league will continue to monitor all relevant information on COVID-19 on a daily basis.
Statement from Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison regarding the coronavirus response as of 5:15 p.m., Thursday, March 12:
"We fully support our university's, the Ohio Valley Conference's and NCAA's decisions made today," said Austin Peay Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison. "The health and well-being of our Austin Peay student-athletes, staff members and Governors fans are of paramount importance. It is vital we take every step possible to protect all our constituents from the further spread of the coronavirus."
The following was released by the Ohio Valley Conference at 5:15 p.m., Thursday, March 12:
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The Ohio Valley Conference Board of Presidents have announced that effective immediately OVC member institutions will suspend athletic-related activities including all competition, and formal practices until further notice due to the COVID-19 public health threat.
All recruiting-related travel is also suspended until April 3, 2020, at which time the impact of that ban will be evaluated.Â
The main priority of the OVC is to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and administrators. The league will continue to monitor all relevant information on COVID-19 on a daily basis.
Statement from Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison regarding the coronavirus response as of noon, Thursday, March 12:
"We recognize the concerns regarding the coronavirus and are closely monitoring the situation along with our campus partners, university experts, the Ohio Valley Conference and the NCAA. We have begun enacting policies and procedures to handle the current situation as it stands and are preparing for any escalation.
"In concert with the president's announcement this morning, we are suspending activities in any sport not participating in their championship season and taking steps to protect our student-athletes and staff members in those sports actively competing."
The following information was provided to the athletic department's staff March 12 and has been updated:
As you know, the Coronavirus COVID-19 has changed the way we live and conduct business for the immediate future. While there are more questions than answers regarding this virus, we must act in the best interest of our student athletes, campus, community and indeed yourself.
The following activities are suspended immediately and indefinitely:
- All international travel.
- All off-campus recruiting.
- All unofficial and official visits to campus.
- All professional development and conference travel.
- All camps/clinics.
- All competition and practice for sports not in their championship season, including soccer and football.
- The Governors spring football game.
- Outdoor competitions will still allow spectators.
- All student-athlete development programming until further notice.
The following activities are canceled and will not be rescheduled:
- Non-essential team meetings.
These policies are fluid and may change at any time. I will make every effort to communicate with you real time; however please know things change rapidly. These policies will not supersede any policies President White may implement for the University.
In the meantime, please make sure you and your staff work diligently to disinfect your offices and team facilities constantly. If you know of any student-athlete, coach or staff member experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, communicate with Joni Johnson and Lisa Varytimidis immediately.
Thank you for your patience during this turbulent time and as always… Let's Go Peay!
Statement from Austin Peay president Dr. Alisa White at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 12:
Dear Austin Peay Community,
We are continuing to monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in consultation with federal, state and local health officials, and our COVID-19 Task Force. At this time we are not aware of any members of our campus community who have the new coronavirus. We are joining the state and national efforts to slow the spread of the virus. After considerable deliberation, we have decided to suspend classes until March 23 and move all classes to fully online instruction. Spring B and Spring II registration will be extended until classes begin March 23. A new academic calendar will be posted by the end of the day. Students in clinicals, field experiences and student teaching should contact their supervisors for information specific to their situation. We will provide advanced notice if we decide to reconvene on-ground classes. I realize this will not be an easy task, and I appreciate everyone's flexibility for taking on the extra burden in a compressed timeframe.
Additionally, all non-athletic University-sponsored events are canceled until further notice. If it is possible to reschedule events, details will be forthcoming. A decision about commencement will be made in the weeks to come. In following precedence set by the NCAA, sanctioned indoor athletic events will be held without fan attendance through the remainder of the academic year. Only student-athletes, coaches and essential personnel are allowed in the indoor sports venues.
Students living on-campus who can travel to their home or permanent residence are encouraged to do so. However, if leaving campus is not an option, we are prepared to continue supporting residential students, including access to limited dining options. The Office of Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services will be providing details in the days to come through campus email. Regardless of whether you relocate or stay on-campus, the CDC suggests social distancing as an important strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The University remains open, but employees are to consult with their supervisors regarding alternate work arrangements as needed. Essential personnel are still required to report on a normal schedule.
The CDC has identified certain populations likely to be more susceptible to the new coronavirus or to be less likely to recover from the virus, and I encourage members of those populations to take extra precaution. Senior citizens, people with compromised immune systems, heart patients, diabetics and others need to be especially cautious.
I understand how disappointing many of these cancellations and changes may be to members of our community. I do not take these decisions lightly, and they are based on our collective understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. These decisions are in the best interest of public health, including that of students, faculty, staff and administration.
Thank you to our Coronavirus Task Force for continuing to monitor the environment and to post updates to the University's website at https://www.apsu.edu/coronavirus. This situation is quickly evolving, and we endeavor to provide the safest environment possible.
Alisa White
President
Austin Peay State University
