By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
INDIANAPOLIS – On Wednesday afternoon (March 11, 2020), NCAA President Mark Emmert released the following statement on attendance for all upcoming NCAA Championship events.
“The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance. While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed.”
The NCAA President’s statement encompasses all NCAA levels (I, II, and III), effective immediately. This includes all winter championship events. Fort Hays State University is competing in three of the championships this weekend, which includes the Central Regional of the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship in Warrensburg, Mo., the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D., and the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in Birmingham, Ala.
Fort Hays State University Athletics will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.