Ferris State Athletics Statement In Regards To GLIAC Announcement

GLIAC Annoucement

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced plans today (Monday) to play a conference-only schedule during the Fall 2020 sports season and will evaluate the feasibility of league competition on a sport-by-sport basis.

Below is a statement from Ferris State University Athletics Director Perk Weisenburger on the announcement. The university will withhold further comment at this time as discussions continue.

Ferris State University Statement

"Last Friday, the GLIAC Council of Presidents approved a conference-only competition schedule for fall sports.  This necessary decision allows us more time to carefully evaluate the likelihood of competition this fall on a sport-by-sport basis.

As traditional reporting dates for fall sports drew near, a degree of clarity and direction was needed so that our student-athletes, their families, our coaches, administrative staff and others could adjust and plan accordingly.   

It is crucial that our campuses start the academic year with anticipation and hope for face-to-face learning and that our student-athletes can once again feel a part of a 'team' through physical development, team unity and mental well-being. This decision gives us time to begin the academic year while continuing to monitor, review and develop safe competition protocols that will help determine scheduling models for safe competitive sports.  It is a time of great uncertainty for student-athletes and sports fans everywhere and while we realize how difficult this is for everyone involved we greatly appreciate and value the patience and understanding shown by our student-athletes as we journey down roads never traveled before."

Perk Weisenburger
Director of Athletics, Ferris State University