NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 20, 2020 --- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Albertus Magnus College has made the difficult decision to suspend all 2020 NCAA Division III fall varsity athletics – men's and women's soccer; women's volleyball, field hockey, and tennis; and men's golf.
"Nearly half of our undergraduate students participate in varsity athletics and our top priority is their health and safety," said Athletic Director Jim Abromaitis. "Our coaching staff have been hard at work developing service, practice, and conditioning programs for our student-athletes to make sure their fall semester is meaningful and that they stay on top of their game for the anticipated return of varsity athletics for the winter and spring seasons." Albertus Magnus College students will return to campus housing at the end of August and classes will resume on August 31. The most current information regarding the College's re-open plans can be found at www.albertus.edu/returntocampus.
A Catholic college in the Dominican tradition, Albertus Magnus coaches and staff understand the role of competitive athletics in developing the whole person and do not take lightly the decision to suspend play. Although there will be no official fall contests, student-athletes will engage in on-campus conditioning and training opportunities during the fall semester to support their physical and mental well-being in preparation for winter and/or spring competition. Students will participate in department-wide competitions based around community service engagement in the greater New Haven community. "Whether our students are e-mentoring for a local youth organization or participating in a virtual leadership conference, you will see Fearless Falcons engaged in the community this fall," said Abromaitis.
The status of winter and spring sports has not yet been determined. All options will be thoroughly evaluated and will be informed by federal and state health and safety guidelines. Fans, parents, and student-athletes are encouraged to follow the College's and Athletic Department's updates regarding the 2020-2021 academic year on the College and Athletics websites as well as on all Albertus social media platforms.
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ABOUT ALBERTUS MAGNUS COLLEGE
About Albertus Magnus College: Albertus Magnus College, founded in 1925, is a Catholic College in the Dominican tradition. Albertus is a member of the NCAA Divisions III and is a member of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). It is recognized by external rankings such as US News & World Report Best Colleges, Money Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. The College has an enrollment of 1,500 students in its traditional undergraduate program, accelerated adult degree programs, and 12 graduate programs, including a new Master of Public Administration and the only Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program in Connecticut. In the last year, the College received two significant Federal grants in support of student success and well-being: a $300,000 grant from the Department of Justice and a $1.9 million Title III grant from the Department of Education.
