News: GNAC releases Statement on Winter Sports

Story written and posted by Anthony Perry, Rivier University Sports Information Director

WINTHROP, MASS. – The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has announced a decision for winter sports this evening. The statement is as follows:

“The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has cancelled conference athletic competitions for Winter sports following a unanimous vote by the GNAC Presidents’ Council.

With the health and well-being of students and staff as the highest priority, each GNAC institution may plan for student-athlete training, conditioning opportunities, and non-conference competition consistent with federal and state public health recommendations, the NCAA and institutional guidelines.

The winter sports affected include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, and men’s and women’s indoor track & field. GNAC sponsored championships for these sports will not take place.

The GNAC Presidents’ Council has not yet made a determination on the status of the spring sports. It will continue to meet regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, as all options will be thoroughly evaluated to make an informed decision based on both federal and state health and safety guidelines.

GNAC Presidents’ Council
Dr. Marc M. Camille, Albertus Magnus College
Mary Lou Retelle, Anna Maria College
Dr. Susan D. Stuebner, Colby-Sawyer College
Dr. Paula M. Rooney, Dean College
Sister Jean Eisner, Emmanuel College
Dr. Marie Bernardo-Sousa, Johnson & Wales University (R.I.)
Michael B. Alexander, Lasell University
Col. Mark C. Anarumo, Col., USAF, (Ret.), Norwich University
Dr. Antoinette Hays, Regis College
Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM, Rivier University
Dr. Rhonda C. Free, University of Saint Joseph (Conn.)
Dr. James Dlugos, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten, Simmons University “

Rivier University Men’s and Women’s Basketball will continue to train our student-athletes through the end of the fall semester. There will be a plan in place for those student-athletes returning for the Spring of 2021 with the hopes of playing a revised schedule during the months of March and April in accordance to all federal, state and local health guidelines.

“Until November 21st this semester, our team still will have the opportunity to engage in practice and training sessions with their coaches.” Rivier University Athletic Director Joanne Merrill said in a statement. “We hope to continue that team engagement with practice opportunities, strength and conditioning, mental health education, and leadership development opportunities when we return in January for the spring semester.”

For now, Spring Sports – Baseball, Men’s Lacrosse, Women’s Lacrosse, Softball and Men’s Volleyball – are on as scheduled until the NCAA and/or GNAC make a final determination.

Please visit www.thegnac.com or www.rivierathletics.com for the latest updates during this unique time in college athletics.