Posted by The Seattle University Athletics Department on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 3:24 PM PDT

Due to the ongoing health risks associated with COVID-19, the Western Athletic Conference announced the suspension all fall championship and non-championship athletics competition through the end of the calendar year. 

The fall conference championship sports affected are men's and women's cross country, volleyball and men's and women's soccer. Contingent on the NCAA fall championships being moved to the spring and if feasible, the WAC will conduct the respective sports during the same time frame. 

The decision also affects the non-championship portion of the schedule for men's and women's tennis, men's and women's golf, baseball and softball with January 1, 2021 set as the earliest opportunity for competition in these sports. For the Redhawks, women's rowing will also follow the January 1 guideline. 

Men's and women's basketball and men's and women's swimming and diving competition will be postponed through the end of October pending WAC discussion on winter athletics competition.

Adapted practice and training opportunities, as well as other support services, will continue for all sports within the health and safety guidelines set forth by the state and university.

“It is very disappointing to have the fall season suspended,” said Bailey Hall, a junior on the women’s soccer team. “We had an amazing season last year and I know my teammates and I were excited to carry that energy into this season. However, my teammates and I have been taking this time to work even harder so when it's time to play, we will be ready to compete. I am staying positive and trying to focus on coming back to help my team win another WAC Championship when tournament time arrives.”

“With fall season being suspended, I personally have taken this as a positive opportunity to develop as a soccer player but also to value life a little more and grow as a person,” said Jesse Ortiz, a sophomore on the men’s soccer team. “It is definitely a very difficult time not just for my family but for the whole SU community. As much as I would have loved to play this fall, I strongly agree with our medical team and the WAC that it isn’t the best option for our safety and the safety of our peers. I’m really looking forward to getting back with the team and continue to develop as a soccer player while also finding ways to help out the community during these difficult times. I want to thank our alumni and people who support and love our school. I am really looking forward to representing Seattle U these upcoming seasons.”

While traditional competition schedules will not fill the calendar this fall, Seattle U Athletics will offer a variety of unique content to keep audiences connected and involved. Feature interview series with current student athletes and alumni, intra-team competitions, social media games and much more will be slated on GoSeattleU.com and the Redhawks’ social media channels in the coming months.