CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A statement released Thursday, March 12 by Gerald Harrison, athletic director of Austin Peay State University, addressed the concerns of student athletes and parents during the global coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
“We recognize the concerns regarding the coronavirus and are closely monitoring the situation along with our campus partners, university experts, the Ohio Valley Conference and the NCAA,” Harrison stated. “We have begun enacting policies and procedures to handle the current situation as it stands and are preparing for any escalation.”
“In concert with the president’s announcement this morning, we are suspending activities in any sport not participating in their championship season and taking steps to protect our student-athletes and staff members in those sports actively competing.”
In addition, the athletics department staff received the following information on precautionary measures instituted by leadership:
The following activities are suspended immediately and indefinitely:
• All international travel.
• All off-campus recruiting.
• All unofficial and official visits to campus.
• All professional development and conference travel.
• All camps/clinics.
• All competition and practice for sports not in their championship season, including soccer and the football.
• The Governors spring football game.
• Outdoor competitions will still allow spectators.
• All student-athlete development programming until further notice.
The following activities are canceled and will not be rescheduled:
• Non-essential team meetings.
In addition, the following policies will be in effect immediately and indefinitely:
• No spectators will be permitted at any indoor competition.
The department went on to say the policies are fluid and may change at any time.
“I will make every effort to communicate with you real time; however please know things change rapidly. These policies will not supersede any policies President White may implement for the University,” Harrison urged.
Campus-wide, Austin Peay announced earlier today their plans to switch to online instruction, as well as the cancellation of several major fundraising events and awards ceremonies.