Dear Viking Supporter,
The past month has been one of the most challenging times in history for people around the globe. The COVID-19 pandemic appears as though it will have an impact on our lives for some time to come. I hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe during this time and adhering to the guidelines and orders so that together, we can defeat this virus.
As you all are aware, the athletic world has come to a halt in response to the impact of the virus. When the NCAA canceled all winter and spring championships, our men's and women's basketball teams were at the regional championships, one of our track and field athletes was competing at the Indoor Track National Championship, and our spring sports were competing or preparing for their seasons. The decision to cancel was disappointing, but was the prudent thing to do.
In response to the cancelation of all spring sports, the NCAA has reinstated the years of eligibility for all spring athletes. This is great news, particularly for our senior student-athletes. They will have the opportunity to return in the 2020-21 school year to complete their eligibility, and all athletes will not lose a year due to competing in the early events of their respective schedules.
The Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) is currently reviewing allowable activity institutions can engage with their student-athletes. This is complicated, but critical in providing our young people with guidance, mentorship, and some sense of normalcy during these difficult times. Our coaches are eager to get back to the important work of developing these amazing students into the leaders of tomorrow, the next generation equipped to face similar challenges of today. Let's hope they never do, but let's prepare them so they can.
Your commitment and loyalty to WWU Athletics has always been appreciated, but never more than now. It is because of you, we have been able to develop a program that is well equipped to navigate through adversity such as these times. Moving forward, the continued support of our VAC members will be critical as we look to rebound from the effect of COVID-19.
Western Washington University Athletics will return. We all will. We will return stronger, and better than ever. I look forward to those days, and I look forward to standing next to you, watching our tremendous student-athletes amaze us even more.
Stay healthy, and stay safe!
Steve Card
