As I told our student-athletes and staff, this news is sad and disappointing. And, not just for us, but for all of our friends, donors and supporters that have made Chico State Athletics a part of their lives. I also know that this decision was made with the best interest of all of our Wildcat Family in mind.
The California Collegiate Athletic Association continues to put the health and safety of its student-athletes, staff, and community first, as it has from the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud members of the CCAA and look forward to the day when we can all once again compete for championships in the strongest Division II conference in the nation.
Our Chico State Wildcats have proven time and again that we can rise to a challenge. Our student-athletes are amazing. Their resilience is inspiring and motivates us every day to continue providing them a transformative experience during this unprecedented time. They deserve it.
—Anita Barker
CCAA Statement on Winter/Spring 2021
Since March 2020 when NCAA competition was halted due to COVID-19, all 12 CCAA member institutions have been working jointly on addressing the challenges for a return to play during the 2020-21 academic year. The health and safety of the student-athletes, coaches and staff has always been - and always will be - the top priority in our future planning and decision-making process.
The CCAA has been exhaustive in exploring multiple return-to-play models that keep health and safety at the forefront. Today, the CCAA Board of Presidents, in conjunction with conference and institution athletics administrators, has made the tough decision to forgo formalized 2020-21 CCAA conference schedules and championships for all sports.
"I know this decision is extremely disappointing for our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans," said Mitch Cox, CCAA Commissioner. "But from the day this pandemic took effect, every decision we made going forward has been focused on the health and safety of everyone involved. We remain committed to providing as many meaningful engagement opportunities for all of student-athletes, coaches and staff throughout the rest of the 2020-21 academic year."
While this decision confirms no mandated competitive CCAA schedule will be produced for this academic year, opportunities for team activities, practice and training will be determined and defined by each member institution with the approval of the University president and the Cal State system, and shall adhere to local and state public health regulations. The current CCAA activity policy approved in August remains in place through the end of December.
