Westcliff Athletics Cancels Remaining Games

By: Staff

Irvine, C.A. -- With increasing restrictions at the state and county level due to a steep rise in COVID-19 infections in our area, it has become abundantly clear that these risks and restrictions will not allow Westcliff student-athletes to compete safely at this time. 

The health and welfare of Westcliff students (both physical and mental) has been the driving force behind every discussion and decision made regarding the student-athletes, coaches, and staff. With the continuing increase in cases and the growing amount of information, Westcliff University does not believe a safe and sustainable environment for intercollegiate athletic competition can be achieved at this time; particularly one that is consistent with the University’s policies and expectations for safety and acceptable levels of risk. Therefore, Dean of Athletics, Shawn Harris, has decided to suspend all competition through the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year. 

Dean Harris released a statement earlier today recongnizing "the benefits of competition do not outweigh the risks". Westcliff University’s Staff, Faculty, and Administrators know the monumental role that the student-athlete experience can play when shaping the development and future of the exceptional young women and men who proudly call themselves Warriors. That knowledge made this a meticulous and conscientious decision - however it did not make it a difficult one. 

Although the decision today may come to the disappointment of the student-athletes, loved ones, and staff that are part of our Westcliff Family, there has been an overwhelming amount of fortitude, perseverance, composure, and compassion through all of our interactions thus far. Harris encourgaes everyone to "remain diligent in your academics to maintain eligibility for next season, to seek support fro your teammates, coaches, and athletics staff, and to continue to excel in exemplifying our 5Cs culture".

Regarding eligibility in the NAIA, student-athletes will not be charged a season of competition for their time at Westcliff University during the 2020-2021 academic year since no competition took place. Additionally, the terms of attendance during the 2020-2021 academic year, will not count against any student-athletes’ future eligibility. 

Harris is always emphasizing building greatness and looking toward the future season. He noted that Westcliff "plan(s) to play the most aggressive and competitive scheudle in school history!"  

Westcliff University works tirelessly to achieve a level of safety needed to return to sport, and a decision on the earliest date of a return to practice and intrasquad training will be determined and communicated at a later date.