American Southwest Conference Delays All Fall Sports

ABILENE, TX -- The American Southwest Conference announced on Friday it will be delaying the start of fall sports. The delay will affect football, soccer, volleyball, and cross country.

"The ASC Council of Presidents recognizes the disappointment of students who normally participate in conference-scheduled regular-season and championship competition during the fall semester," said Amy Carlton, commissioner of the American Southwest Conference, "The conference leadership and administrators will continue planning for fall sports to resume conference competition and tournament opportunities in the spring semester as appropriate."

According to KTXS, McMurry University issued a statement. According to the university, the delay was made with the anticipation that competition and tournaments will resume in the Spring of 2021.

"The decision to move fall competition to the spring balances the safety of our War Hawk athletes and their ASC counterparts with the desire to have a competitive experience for them," said McMurry University President Dr. Sandra Hooper. "Postponing the competition makes sense at this point in time."

Athletes will still be allowed to participate in athletics-related activities or playing schools outside the conference, but they will not compete in championship games.

"Our coaches and staff are making the best of this situation and remaining positive," said Sam Ferguson, McMurry's Vice President of Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics, in a letter to McMurry athletes."We are all committed to moving forward with a meaningful fall athletics experience that will allow for growth in our scholar-athletes and position us for success in spring competition."

The following colleges are part of the American Southwest Conference: Belhaven, Concordia Texas, East Texas Baptist, Hardin-Simmons, Howard Payne, Letourneau, Louisiana College, Mary Hardin-Baylor, Mcmurry, Ozarks, Sul Ross State, and UT Dallas.

“Our athletic programs constitute a big part of the student experience at our university,” said Dr. Cory Hines, HPU’s president. “We had hoped to begin our full schedule of fall sports as originally planned, but in the midst of so much uncertainty we wholeheartedly support this decision to postpone our conference activities for the safety of our student-athletes, athletics personnel, and fans.”

"While we are disappointed that we will not be having a fall sports championship season as originally scheduled, we fully anticipate giving our student-athletes the best experience under the modified rules and regulations of the NCAA,” said HSU athletic director John Neese.

“Our student-athletes are eager to make the most of their time to train and compete,” said Hunter Sims, HPU’s athletic director. “Though the conference competition has been delayed, I’m pleased that the 50% plan will preserve their eligibility for the future.”