Hello Griffin Fans!
 
We made it! Through all of the twists and turns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we accomplished our number one priority—face to face instruction for the Fall semester! In terms of athletics, we all were disappointed that we could not compete this fall. However, I am incredibly proud of how our student-athletes, coaches, and trainers navigated this tumultuous semester. Beginning on September 1 and concluding on November 13 our student-athletes were allowed to participate with their respective teams. Clearly it was not business as usual, athletes were grouped in "pods" of 10 and they were limited on the number of hours per week that they could participate in athletic activities. Through all of the challenges, including multiple quarantines, our student-athletes showed their resolve and came out stronger and more united.
 
As you know, we encountered another challenge last week with the cancellation of Winter sports and of playing Fall sports in the Spring. While this announcement was expected, this decision was still so very disappointing to so many student-athletes, coaches, trainers, and administrators.
 
While the future is uncertain, we remain optimistic that we will be able to return to competition this Spring. Over the coming weeks we will be working diligently to establish plans that will allow our Spring sports to begin their preparations for the season on January 10. In addition, I remain hopeful that we will be able to have our Fall and Winter athletes fully engaged in their "normal" non-championship segment activities next semester.
 
2020 certainly brought us all unprecedented challenges on and off of the field. Beginning in January when we were heartbroken over the tragic loss of  Freshman baseball player Mac Maund, then the cancellation of the NCAA Winter Championships, the cancellation of Spring sports, the sudden passing of alumni football player Nick McGahagan, the cancellation of Fall sports and now the cancellation of Winter sports; we must have faith that we all will emerge stronger from all of the sadness and disappointments that we have encountered this year.
 
As we embark on the Holiday Season, even with all of the adversity that we have faced, I remain thankful for the opportunity to be a part of an outstanding university and to work with our amazing student-athletes and coaches.
 
I hope you all have a safe and Happy Holiday Season and I very much look forward to seeing you at a game this Spring!