NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion University announced Monday they are canceling the fall sports season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
University President John R. Broderick said the decision was made in concert with Athletic Director Wood Selig, coaches, medical and public health experts and state and local officials.
“We concluded that the season – including travel and competition – posed too great a risk for our student-athletes,” President Broderick said.
“I know many on and off campus will be disappointed, but we must prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes, as well as our coaches, staff and fans.”
The sports that will not compete this fall includes football, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball. The volleyball team would have launched its inaugural season at ODU.
Broderick said the decision was made to protect not only student-athletes, but also the staff and the greater Hampton Roads community.
“This is just right thing to do for everyone involved,” Selig said. “After making this decision, I already feel a sense of relief."
He says he hopes fall sports can be played in the spring, if it safe to do so, and pending approval from the NCAA.
ODU is the 14th Football Bowl Subdivision school to announce it won’t play this fall.
They join James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Richmond, George Mason University, the College of William and Mary, Norfolk State University and Hampton University that have already announced they will not play in the fall.
Monday's decision applies to fall sports and does not include men’s and women’s basketball and swimming, which winter sports.
