On Friday, June 26, the Central Valley Conference announced the suspension of athletic competition for the fall 2020 semester due to COVID-19. Clovis Community College, is a member of the Central Valley Conference in the California Community College Athletic Association.
I discussed this topic at the region, district, and college level. I monitored the rising number of positive cases of COVID-19 both locally and across the state. Our team researched other colleges and universities that started fall sports and immediately encountered several cases of COVID-19 among their student athletes. Our team also met with the County of Fresno Health Department officials to discuss protocols for social distancing and requirements for contract tracing if a student or employee tests positive at our campus.
Based on all this information, I decided that Clovis Community College will suspend all athletic competition (soccer and cross country) for Fall 2020 to help ensure the safety of our students, employees, and community. My heart hurts with this decision because I believe athletics plays a critical role in student access and student success. The athletic department, including our amazing student support team, will continue to support our student athletes in our online environment and help them stay active, connected, and on- track to meet their individual educational goals. Thank you for your understanding regarding this difficult decision. We hope to be back in competition in the Spring.
We are all committed to helping students stay active, connected, and on-track to meet their individual educational goals. The suspension impacts approximately 80 student athletes at Clovis Community College. Fall student athletes will retain their year of eligibility.
Lori Bennett, Ed.D.
President
Clovis Community College
