NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (CNUSports.com) – The Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) announced Tuesday the suspension of athletic competition and championships for the 2020 fall season. The suspension includes Christopher Newport's fall athletic programs that are members of the CAC, including men's and women's soccer, volleyball, field hockey, men's and women's cross country, as well as cheer and dance.
"I am heartbroken for our fall student-athletes that it is necessary for the suspension of their competitive seasons to safeguard the health of the Christopher Newport community," Director of Athletics Kyle McMullin said. "Our coaches, medical team and administration will turn our attention to evaluating how we can safely conduct training and practices with our students this fall."
Christopher Newport football competes in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC), and is not included in the cancellation. No announcement has yet been made regarding the NJAC's status for the fall.
"When it becomes safe to compete again, I am certain our students will be ready to put on their uniforms and represent our university with the class and competitive fire we have all come to expect from this Community of Champions," McMullin continued.
Tuesday's decision, made by the CAC Board of Directors, was also endorsed by league athletic administrators and was made with consideration for the well-being of each campus community. The Conference, consisting of 11 institutions located in seven states, supports individual institutions if they are able to safely schedule competition within their own regional areas, while relying on local and state guidance.
The CAC will also explore in the coming months shifting fall sports to the spring. The Conference is committed to conducting quality championship experiences for student-athletes and institutions in a safe and healthy environment.
