CHARLOTTE, N.C.- After careful thought and consideration, the NJCAA has decided to cancel the rest of the 2020 Athletics season due to the rapidly changing situation concerning COVID-19. The cancellation effects the Florida SouthWestern State Men's & Women's Basketball teams as well as the Bucs' Baseball and Softball squads.
In a statement from the NJCAA Monday, Dr. Christopher Parker, President & CEO said "In light of the progressive evolvement of the COVID-19 situation, the NJCAA has decided to end all competition for the remainder of the academic year. As an association, the NJCAA exhausted all possible avenues to potentially postpone competition for both upcoming basketball championships and spring sport competition. We believe following the recommendations of the CDC is in the best interest of our member colleges and our student-athletes."
The cancellation includes all competitions and practices and also puts a halt on on and off campus recruiting for NJCAA coaches through April 15th.
Four days after the NJCAA National Basketball Tournaments were postponed until late April, the tournaments were cancelled, effecting both FSW's Men's and Women's teams who were slated to make appearances in the Big Dance. The Bucs Baseball and Softball teams see their seasons come to an end as they were approaching the midway point of their years. The remainder of the FSW Spring Volleyball season is also canceled.
The NJCAA has already declared that all Spring Sport Student-Athletes will not be charged with a year of eligibility for this season.
FSW Athletic Director George Sanders echoed the sentiments of the NJCAA saying "This is obviously an unfortunate and disappointing outcome for all of our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff, however, we are in the midst of an unprecedented time right now and we fully support the NJCAA's decision and have the health and wellbeing of all of our constituents first and foremost in our decision making. We want to thank all of Bucs Nation for making 2019-2020 yet another amazing year for FSW Athletics and I have no doubt that our teams will be more eager than ever to take the floor and the field next fall to begin preparations for the 2020-2021 year."