GPRC Men's basketball team in a game against the NAIT Ooks. Photo Credit: EverythingGP Staff

By Shane Clausing

ACAC

ACAC cancels fall sports schedule

Jun 19, 2020 | 1:40 PM

On Friday, the ACAC announced that the fall sports season schedule for 2020 has been cancelled, with fall sports being moved to the spring of 2021 and winter season sport not starting until January of 2021 at the earliest.

The sports of basketball, volleyball, badminton, hockey, curling, futsal and indoor track have all been pushed back to begin in the winter semester in January and will likely feature a reduced schedule.

The fall sports of golf, cross country running and soccer have been rescheduled for the spring and are slated to take place in April of 2021.

Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) has teams that participate in cross country and soccer, as well as basketball and volleyball.

The decision was made following a unanimous vote on Friday by the ACAC Conference Council.

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The ACAC says that the decision was made in the best interests of student-athletes and the health and safety of all involved has remained paramount in the process to arrive at these recommendations.

Director for GPRC Sport, Fitness & Wellness Thomas Slifka released a statement in support of the ACAC’s decision.

“GPRC supports the decision made by the ACAC to suspend athletics as our College continues to prioritize the health of our student-athletes, coaches, administration and fans. The wellbeing of our GPRC Wolves community is vital as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

“Decisions are still to be made regarding the 2020-21 athletic seasons. However, we do know GPRC will not participate in regular-season play in sports before January 2021. Timelines are subject to change based on guidelines and orders for safe sport play put forth by the ACAC, Alberta Health Services and the Chief Medical Officer of Health.”

“We look forward to resuming our ACAC participation with a renewed competitive spirit when it is safe to do so.”

Further decisions about what future schedules, formats, and related student-athlete eligibility policies could look like will be discussed at an ACAC Special Meeting scheduled for June 25, 2020.