With the threat of the novel Corona virus aka COVID-19, many things have had to be cancelled. Our daily lives have been disrupted in ways we could’ve never foreseen just 3 months ago. Now, one of the things that people use to escape from thinking about things like the spread of a virus, has been taken from us because of it.
First, the ACC announced the cancellation of all sports and athletic related activities for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.
Update: All athletic related activities through the end of the 2019-20 academic year have been canceled. https://t.co/mABSIQSeEx
— The ACC (@theACC) March 17, 2020
This includes any hope of continuing the baseball and softball seasons and any hope that maybe some kind of NCAA Tournament could be created and played.
Of course, with that being announced by the conference, it wasn’t long before Louisville Athletics followed suit. All Louisville sports and athletic related activities that were suspended originally are now cancelled for the 2019-2020 academic year.
That means the highly ranked Cardinal Baseball team and the very good Cardinal Softball team will not get the chance to showcase their talents for us Cardinal fans. Nor will they be any chance of the Louisville Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams playing in any kind of modified NCAA Tournament.
Though it was highly unlikely there would be some kind of NCAA Tournament put together, there was a chance the baseball and softball teams could’ve resumed and we could’ve had a College World Series. This is a sad day because we know our teams could’ve been in contention, especially our baseball team. However, it is necessary during these trying times. This is an unprecedented event. This pandemic is real and it is something that we must do everything possible to combat its spread. I know one thing, when Cardinal sports come back, and they will, we Cardinal fans will appreciate them more than we ever had before.
We will be back.#L1C4 pic.twitter.com/GAdcgM7Ugm
— Louisville Baseball (@LouisvilleBSB) March 17, 2020
Thank you for taking us on this amazing journey that got cut short but one that will never be forgotten! Love each and everyone of you! https://t.co/fxx7zY6ztS
— @coachjeffwalz (@CoachJeffWalz) March 17, 2020
😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/BE7NLrJGIn
— Chris Mack (@CoachChrisMack) March 13, 2020
#WeRiseAsOne pic.twitter.com/bhkxMLOgM1
— Louisville Athletics (@GoCards) March 16, 2020
Read the press release from UofL below for more details and quotes from UofL AD Vince Tyra.
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT:
UofL Athletics Activities Cancelled for Remainder of 2019-20 Academic Year
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Due to concerns surrounding the widespread health risks associated with COVID-19, the University of Louisville, in conjunction with the Atlantic Coast Conference, has canceled all athletic related activities for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year.
Following further consultation with the league’s member institutions, and after previously suspending all athletic activities indefinitely, the ACC made the decision to cancel all athletic related activities including all competition and practice through the end of the 2019-20 academic year. The unanimous decision was made to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19. Each institution will continue to work in accordance with its respective university and state policies related to its individual campus decisions.
“Our top priority remains the health and safety of our student-athletes as well as our fans, communities and the overall well-being of others during these uncharted times,” said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. “We are particularly disappointed for our student-athletes and will continue to work with our membership to assess what is appropriate in the future.”
UofL Vice-President/Director of Athletics Vince Tyra sent the letter below to Cardinal fans yesterday.
“This last week has been a difficult time for us all. I wanted to reach out to you directly as we navigate this unprecedented time for our nation as much as for Louisville Athletics, and truly thank you for your continued passion and support of the Louisville Cardinals.
“As you know, due to the ever-evolving developments of COVID-19, the University of Louisville, in conjunction with the Atlantic Coast Conference and the NCAA, has suspended all athletic related activities including all competition, formal and organized practice, recruiting and participation in NCAA championships until further notice.
“While this is an extremely tough time for the entire Louisville Athletics community, the health and safety of our student-athletes, fans, and staff is of the utmost importance. Plans could be altered at any time as more information becomes available in this very fluid and unprecedented matter. We are committed to open and continued communication with you, the lifeblood of our beloved program.
“We are in this business because we are driven to see results. We are competitors at heart, but right now that’s impossible to do. Our focus right now needs to be on how we can console, motivate, and guide those around us – and to use this time to lay the critical groundwork for our next, best chapter. I am so proud of the student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans that call themselves Louisville Cardinals.
“Our program is no stranger to adversity and rising to the next challenge is part of the Cardinals’ DNA. We will get through this together, and I believe our best days are ahead of us.
“Until we meet again, wear your red with pride, communicate your passion for our program, and know we send the very best wishes for you and your family. Remember, in times of uncertainty, we rise as one.”
