Charlotte, NC – It is with great sadness that we report the cancelation of all spring sports at Lake-Sumter State College after the announcement coming down earlier today from the National Junior College Athletic Association.
The announcement comes about a week after the NCAA canceled their winter sports as well as spring sports championships. "In light of the progressive evolvement of the COVID-19 situation, the NJCAA has decided to end all competition for the remainder of the academic year," stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. "As an association, the NJCAA exhausted all possible avenues to potentially postpone competition for both upcoming basketball championships and spring sport competition. We believe following the recommendations of the CDC is in the best interest of our member colleges and our student-athletes."
The NJCAA wasted no time answering the question about eligibility, stating, "Regarding eligibility for spring sports, no spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled at a member college in 2020 will be charged a year of participation." According to the official release, the NJCAA will explore the opportunity to expand allowable Letters of Intent for spring sports for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years under the recommendation of the NJCAA Eligibility Committee.
Baseball, softball as well as beach volleyball will see their season's come to an end. The Lakehawk baseball team was in the middle of one of their best seasons on record. At 5-1 in Mid-Florida Conference play, LSSC baseball will end the 2020 season at the top of the standings. Their season record of 16-11 marks the programs first winning season since 2013.
Softball will also see their season come to an end with a winning record at 17-15. Unlike baseball, conference play had not yet started for softball when the news came down that the season was ending. This marks the second winning season in the last three years for the Lakehawks.
Beach volleyball had just celebrated their first victory a few weeks ago during their inaugurals season. One of the fastest growing sports in the country, beach volleyball will undoubtedly grow by the start of next year's season.
"It's a heartbreaking thing to hear for any athlete, that your season is canceled," said Sports Information Director, Jay Miller. "It comes down to safety. We teach our student-athletes that it is not about what is best for them, but what is best for the team. Not playing is what is best for everyone right now."