The VIU gym and other sporting facilities will be devoid of league play as university sports shutdown for the remainder of 2020. (Dan Marshall/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Dan Marshall

time out

VIU Mariners fall sports season on pause due to COVID-19

Jul 2, 2020 | 8:18 PM

NANAIMO – The VIU Mariners fall sports won’t include any league play in 2020.

The soccer and golf teams won’t have any PACWEST games or tournaments and the first half of the institution’s basketball and volleyball seasons are scrapped.

Interim athletic director Danielle Hyde said it was a difficult decision but felt it was important for student athletes to have as much information as possible when preparing for back to school in the fall.

“It just didn’t seem possible with all of the other conferences including Usports (cancelling).”

The news is especially difficult for those fifth year students who would normally be going into their final year of eligibility.

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However, any athlete who plays in a sport which doesn’t hold a national championship will have an opportunity to play next year.

A shortened season is still an option for Mariners volleyball and basketball. But there will be no sanctioned PACWEST events until 2021 at the earliest.

Hyde noted that some form of competition could take place if the COVID-19 pandemic slows down.

“If we can offer exhibition play, a way to get athletes competing in some way I think we would consider it.”

VIU is working on a return to play plan for both soccer and golf even though there will be no sanctioned events.

The goal is to get the athletes working on skills and drills as long as health restrictions allow it.

There are a number of scenarios in the works for playing basketball and volleyball in January but a clearer picture of a modified season will unfold over the next several months.

Scheduling, travel costs and number of games are all considerations beyond the obvious hurdle of COVID-19.

Hyde believes in recreation being a part of student wellness, not just for Mariners athletes but for all students.

The athletics and recreation department at the university is working to provide different opportunities and available space for students if at all possible.

“I hope we can offer programs in small groups under the restrictions. Part of university life is connections and I feel like we play an important role in that. The athletic side of the house is focused on our student athletes but we have a commitment to all students.”

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @danmarshall77