The Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) announced today that it has postponed all conference regular-season competitions and championship events through December 31, 2020. This decision affects all fall sports at Concordia University Chicago (CUC) including men’s basketball, women’s basketball, cross country, football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. The NACC and its member schools are working diligently to coordinate a Spring 2021 season that will include all of these sports, with specific team schedules forthcoming.

Amid the changes, CUC Athletics remains committed to maximizing the on-campus athletic experience for all student-athletes, with an understanding of how deeply participation enriches the college experience for many. Recently approved waivers by NCAA Division III will help make this possible by allowing exceptionally flexible yet focused training, practice and playing seasons throughout the 2020-2021 academic year. The waivers also do not preclude individual institutions from engaging in non-conference competition as long as play is conducted in accordance with Division III guidelines.

“Our student-athletes are eager to get back on the field, court and course as they return to campus. We will deliver on our promise to provide them with rich opportunities that enable continued high-level participation in the sports they love—but in distinctively different, yet meaningful, ways,” said CUC Athletic Director Pete Gnan. “This includes exploring creative alternatives for non-traditional seasons that will include unique and engaging new opportunities for skills enhancement, strength and conditioning, personal development, and practice.”

For months, CUC athletic staff and administration have worked to develop plans that ensure the health and safety of student-athletes to meet guidelines set by the University, NCAA and NACC, as well as federal and state health authorities. Those plans remain in place and will guide all activities of the University’s student-athletes in the fall. CUC continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic with the goal of maintaining the health and safety of its student-athletes, as well as everyone present on campus.

“The University is fully committed to a tremendous student-athlete experience,” said University President Dr. Russell Dawn. “Postponing certain competitions is in line with our responsibility to keep people safe—student-athletes, coaches, athletics support staff, competitors, and our entire University community. At the same time, doing so affords an opportunity to provide the enriching athletic experiences that are so important to on-campus college life. Go Cougars!”

For additional information on Concordia University Chicago Athletics, visit CUCougars.com.