Sports

PAGE 8 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM Fall sports set to resume after December 31

BY ELIZABETH STEELY

Sports Editor

The Great American Conference announced its decision to suspend all fall sports on August 14.

The decision came on the heels of multiple directives from the NCAA Board of Governors regarding additional requirements for student athletes, as well as the cancellation of Division II fall sport championships for 2020. This suspension is in effect until December 31, and it includes basketball, cross country, golf, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball.

“In my more than 40 years at Ouachita as director of athletics, what we announced was one of the most challenging decisions I have had to recommend,” Ouachita Athletics Director David Sharp said. “It hurts me deeply, knowing the passion our student athletes have for their respective sports, along with the commitment and time our coaches invest into their players and programs. However, our top priority is the health, safety and welfare of our student-athletes and coaching staff.”

Ouachita’s athletics department made its official announcement of the suspension on the same day as the GAC’s announcement.

Senior communications and media major Bates Yoakum was the one responsible for posting the news to the Ouachita Athletics website and social media pages.

“Breaking the news to our website, Twitter and Facebook on the GAC’s decision to suspend all athletics was extremely hard and emotional,” Yoakum said. “On the professional side of things, I understand making that hard decision with everything we are facing today, but the college student side of me was sad students will be unable to come together and enjoy sporting events together.”

This news changed what the rest of the semester will look like for students and student athletes alike. Many sports-related events are ingrained into Ouachita’s culture and traditions. The Homecoming and Battle of the Ravine football games, two of the more are not taking place this fall.

This is especially disappointing for the senior athletes.

However, the GAC has given all fall sport senior athletes another year of eligibility. These seniors can return for their last season of competition in the fall of 2021.

Austin Guymon, a senior linebacker on Ouachita’s football team, plans to come back next fall, and he is looking forward to being on the field with his teammates one last time.

“I am most excited to come back and compete for another championship again,” Guymon said. “The opportunity I’ve had to play here has been incredible. I believe we have the best coaches in the country, and playing with some great guys makes the game much more fun.”

In compliance with the Board of Governors’ requirements, Ouachita’s fall sports teams are still allowed to train and hold practices and team meetings.

For seniors who will not be returning in the fall of 2021, like cross country runner Taryn Bewley, this allows them to have a memorable senior year, even thought they are unable to compete.

“Spending time with my teammates has been a highlight of my time at Ouachita, and I’m glad I can still do that for my senior year, even if there are no competitions where we can show off our hard work,” Bewley said. “Even though things are different, it helps give a sense of normalcy to my senior year.”

Since its inital announcement on August 14, the Division II Presidents Council has also announced further COVID protections for student athletes regarding eligibility, waivers and athletic scholarships. For more information, visit the NCAA’s website, ncaa.org.