On May 4, Sinclair Community College announced they were suspending sports for the 2020-21 academic year. The news shocked everyone on campus, especially the 88 student-athletes who worked tirelessly to come to Sinclair.
The decision was a result of a force that has been straining society, COVID-19. Ever since cases appeared in Ohio, Sinclair has not been taking the novel coronavirus lightly. In deciding to cancel sports, Sinclair ensured it was in the best interest of the student-athletes and all who come to watch these students perform.
Like many other public domains, Sinclair does not have an idea of how the coronavirus will be in the future and desired to make this decision early to prevent any “surprises” or mid-season cancellations.
This decision will give everyone the opportunity to adjust their lives and what was previously the “norm,” as many of Sinclair’s student-athletes do not come from Dayton and some come from very far away to represent the Tartans.
“[This is a] disappointing reality we have to face,” said Adam Murka, Vice President for Advancement at Sinclair. The people who work for Sinclair are devoted to helping students get to where they desire to go and having the suspension of the sports seasons for the 2020-21 school year provided a little damper.
Each student-athlete was contacted through a letter in the mail, informing them of the suspended year they will face.
Murka emphasized several things that will still be happening for student-athletes in the 2020-21 academic year.
There is going to be an increase in scholarship money for the athletes and they will still have the support services available that they would have during their season. It is a disappointment for everyone impacted but Sinclair is still doing everything they can help students be successful.
Do student-athletes have an extra year since they lost a season? That is still being decided at this time and is potentially a nationwide decision. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) has given athletes who participate in a spring sport another year of eligibility, according to Sports Illustrated.
Most community colleges and universities are planning on continuing their sports starting in Fall 2020. However, student-athletes still have the opportunity to transfer to a 4-year university and they still have the opportunity of increased scholarships.
Sinclair hopes to resume sports in the 2021-22 academic year, so ideally this would only be a suspension that would affect only the upcoming academic year.
Jackie Kasner
Reporter