MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS DON HARNUM
March 13, 2020
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Dear Rider Community,
In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 global pandemic, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and its Council of Presidents, in consultation with the league's Athletic Directors and Senior Women's Administrators, made the difficult decision yesterday to cancel the remainder of the men's and women's basketball tournament that was being held in Atlantic City, NJ. In addition, the MAAC announced that it will cancel all spring sports effective immediately for the remainder of this academic semester.
With the NCAA also cancelling both winter and spring championships, these are unprecedented times for collegiate athletics, but I am confident these decisions were made with painstaking thought and care. The health and safety of every student-athlete remains a top priority and we must rely on guidance from local, state and federal government officials and agencies, as well as the NCAA and MAAC, as we navigate this ever-changing national health crisis.
I want to acknowledge the impact these decisions have on our student-athletes, coaches, alumni and fans as we all take great pride in Rider's 20 NCAA Division I athletics teams. To have seasons and tournaments cut short is incredibly heartbreaking, particularly for the student-athletes who have gone through years of strenuous preparations to reach this level of competition. The impact is even more significantly felt by our seniors who have had their seasons, and in some cases their athletic careers, ended abruptly.
It is my hope that as a community of resilient Broncs we can come together to support one another during these uncertain times. I anxiously await returning to competition as much as you do. Until then, be well, stay safe and as always, Go Broncs!
Sincerely,
Don Harnum
Director of Athletics
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For Rider University's official information regarding COVID-19, visit www.rider.edu/coronavirus. You may also email questions to coronavirusquestions@rider.edu.
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