Published on August 14, 2020 by Joey Mullins
Share this on:
"Today's decision to cancel our fall nonconference schedules came after thorough conversations with our coaches and student-athletes," Newton said. "Our student-athletes made it clear that they want to compete but voiced their questions and concerns about the unknowns related to the virus. We based our decision primarily on their feedback."
Samford's decision comes on the heels of the Southern Conference announcement that all fall league competition has been postponed to the spring of 2021 due to health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council of Presidents left open the possibility that SoCon schools could still play a nonconference schedule if they so desired.
"Our student-athletes, coaches and staff have shown tremendous perseverance during the pandemic," Newton added. "No one wants to see their opportunity to compete taken away, but the health and safety of the Bulldogs remain our top priority. I am still hopeful that we will see the Bulldogs back in action in the near future."
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.