Grand Canyon University became the fourth Division I college in Arizona to suspend fall sports because of COVID-19.

The Antelopes follow Arizona and Arizona State and Northern Arizona.

GCU is following the Western Athletic Conference in canceling due to safety and health concerns related to the virus.

This impacts men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball and and men’s and women’s cross country.

“We support the conference’s decision knowing it was made in the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches and campus communities,” GCU interim Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said in a school release. “GCU continues to be committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment where student-athletes can progress academically, athletically and spiritually.”

The WAC, if feasible, could conduct the sports during the spring if the NCAA moves the fall championships to that time.

Input was provided by the WAC’s Medical Advisory Committee and Contingency Planning Group.

“It obviously was a difficult decision, and not one made lightly,” WAC Commissioner Jeff Hurd said in a statement. “But it was one made after extensive discussion and consideration of all relevant factors as well as input from conference administrators and the Medical Advisory Committee. The health and safety of our student-athletes, the many others associated with our athletics programs and all those in our campus environments always will be the highest priority.”

With not being able to play sports through the end of October, the men’s basketball team would only have an exhibition canceled.

Scheduling for winter sports won’t be made until the end of October.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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