BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb athletics, in compliance with the Big South Conference’s collective decision, announced Wednesday morning that it would delay its 2020 fall seasons with hopes of playing those sports in the spring.

Football will be allowed to participate in up to four non-conference games in the fall due to contractual obligations. 

Other sports affected include men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball. Fall competitions in men’s and women’s golf and men’s and women’s tennis – as well as out of season competition for spring sports – have been suspended.

“Obviously this is disappointing news, particularly for our student-athletes and their coaching staffs,” said Vice President for Athletics Chuck Burch. “Their hard work leading up to this point, amidst challenging circumstances for everyone, has been inspiring. Despite the disappointment, we have the spring to focus on as another opportunity to compete. Our student-athlete’s health and safety is always at the forefront of any decision making and that will continue to be the case.”

Gardner-Webb and other Big South member institutions may continue with permissible athletics activities at their own discretion – and in accordance with applicable local and state regulations and procedures.

“We are all broken-hearted that we will not be able to provide competitive opportunities for Big South student-athletes this fall,” commented Commissioner Kyle Kallander.  “However, the path forward must protect the health and safety of our student-athletes, and some of the current trends and unknowns with COVID-19 have made that a huge challenge.  Our intention is to shift these fall seasons to the spring as we would like nothing more than to crown Big South champions in all 19 of our sports this year if possible.”