Ferris State Athletics Statement Regarding GLIAC Announcement

GLIAC Annoucement

Big Rapids, Mich. - Following a thorough evaluation of all COVID-19 risks and safety protocols, and numerous meetings involving various GLIAC governance groups, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted unanimously on Tuesday, Aug. 11, to suspend all sports competition until Jan. 1, 2021.

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

Ferris State University Statement

"The GLIAC Presidents, with support from the league's athletic directors, made the painful but necessary decision to suspend athletic competitions for all sports until at least Jan. 1, 2021. Those of us who care deeply about athletics and the welfare of young people certainly understand that this decision was made carefully and in order to protect the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and community members. Since shortly after the virus shut down college athletics in March, we have been holding out all hope for months that enough progress and information from a science perspective would show us a pathway to mitigate risks and safely play intercollegiate competitive sports. Unfortunately, we are not there yet.   

"This decision, following the NCAA's determination last week to not hold fall sport championships, is cause for great concern on what this means for our student-athletes. We are saddened beyond words that our Bulldogs will not be able to compete this fall as they had envisioned. During difficult times like these, we all know how important it is to have hope, faith, to envision brighter days ahead and to look out after one another and I know that is exactly what our young people will expect from each other. 

"I want to assure our student-athletes that we are committed to your academic, athletic and mental well-being, that athletic scholarships will remain intact and that we will work tirelessly to provide opportunities for you to train, practice and develop your skills and athletic abilities with a championship mindset. 

"The experience of Ferris State student-athletes is very important to us and we will strive to make that experience as positive as we can during these trying circumstances. More information and direction on how we will move forward together is forthcoming."

Perk Weisenburger
Director of Athletics, Ferris State University