WORTHINGTON -- Minnesota West Community and Technical College athletic competition will return for the winter, according to a press release issued this week by the school.
Minnesota West canceled its 2020 baseball season early in the spring, and the fast-pitch softball campaign was jettisoned without the first pitch being thrown. Likewise, there were no fall football and volleyball seasons due to concerns about COVID-19.
But on Wednesday, school presidents from the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) met to determine how to move forward with winter and spring sports programs, which for West include men’s basketball, women’s basketball and wrestling.
The MCAC released the following statement: “The presidents of the Minnesota colleges of the MCAC met on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and determined that there are an appropriate number of colleges interested in proceeding with winter and spring athletic seasons and player development, per NJCAA guidelines. Presidents will make college-specific athletic season announcements on or before Nov. 16, 2020.”
Minnesota West President Dr. Terry Gaalswyk said, “Our decisions at Minnesota West are guided by our two priorities, first, assuring the safety of students, faculty and staff and, second, to enable our students to progress with their academic goals. Student engagement in intercollegiate athletics advances their academic careers and we are committed to implementing protocols to do so in a safe manner. Our decision is informed through our hybrid academic delivery model and enhanced through trusted relationships among our student, faculty and staff. We have the commitment and tested response protocols to assist individuals concerned about their well-being. Our college community cares deeply about our students and each other.”
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West men’s athletic director Bob Purcell said, “This is a positive step in letting our students prove they are responsible adults going forward in sports, but also in their ability to social distance and preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
Rosalie Hayenga-Hostikka, West women’s athletic director and head coach of the Lady Jays basketball team, said, “We are very grateful for the opportunity to get out student-athletes back in the gym and are excited to get the 2020-21 season underway.”
The MCAC contains 24 two-year colleges located in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
The presidents’ decision to cancel the 2020 spring sports season disrupted the plans of many coaches and athletes at conference schools, and the decision to cancel fall sports came as Minnesota public school officials discussed ways the state’s high school seasons might continue.
High school girls tennis, cross country and soccer seasons were allowed to go forward while football and volleyball campaigns were originally pushed back to the spring. Later in the fall, football and volleyball were returned, but not without COVID-related issues, as MCAC events remained prohibited.
Despite protocols put in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus, several high school events throughout the state -- including a few in southwest Minnesota -- have been canceled as student-athletes tested positive for the virus.
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