Dear Spring Season Student-Athletes and Families,

I write to share important information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impact on varsity athletics.

As you may be aware, a number of NESCAC colleges have directed their students not to return to campus after their spring break, and they will move to remote learning for the remainder of the academic year. With this is in mind, the NESCAC presidents met and determined that conference competition, including conference championships, will be cancelled for the 2020 spring season. Additionally, like many other colleges and universities across the country, Bates has responded to public health directives and taken steps related to travel, large gatherings, and visitors to campus. New guidance for the Bates community can be found here. These factors make it impossible, as a practical matter, to move forward with athletic competition.

I realize this is very difficult and disappointing news, particularly for our seniors, who were looking forward to a final season of hard work and competition. I am mindful of just how important the athletic experience is to our students, as teams provide a sense of community, connection, and purpose. However, we find ourselves in a situation where we have an obligation, with respect to all college activities, to mitigate health risks to the Bates community as a whole.

I greatly appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate this complex and evolving situation. Please continue to refer to the Bates College COVID-19 website for the most up-to-date information.

Sincerely,

Jason Fein, Director of Athletics