From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — Samford University announced on Friday, Aug. 14 that the school’s fall sports teams will not participate in nonconference play this year.

The sports effected include, football, men’s and women’s cross country, soccer, and volleyball.

“Today’s decision to cancel our fall nonconference schedules came after thorough conversations with our coaches and student-athletes,” said athletics director Martin Newton. “Our student-athletes made it clear that they want to compete, but voiced their questions and concerns about the unknowns related to the virus. We based our decision primarily on their feedback.”

The decision comes one day after the Southern Conference announced that fall league competition has been postponed because of COVID-19.

“Our student-athletes, coaches and staff have shown tremendous perseverance during the pandemic,” Newton said. “No one wants to see their opportunity to compete taken away, but the health and safety of the Bulldogs remains our top priority. I am still hopeful that we will see the Bulldogs back in action in the near future.”