Murray State University Athletics
Murray State Athletics Focusing On Future
8/14/2020 4:46:00 PM | General
In March over 100 winter/spring sport student-athletes were notified their championships and/or seasons were canceled due to COVID-19.  Some had just begun their journey, while others were nearing the end of theirs.  Whether a spring sport student-athlete competing in the non-conference portion of their schedule, or a rifle student-athlete competing at the NCAA National Championship, this news was difficult for our young people, coaches, staff, alumni and fans.  Today, unfortunately, we deliver similarly disappointing news to our fall sport student-athletes, who have fought through great adversity in order to prepare for their upcoming season. Â
Since March, our staff, coaches and student-athletes all have navigated difficult circumstances.  Our medical team worked tirelessly to develop, communicate and execute comprehensive, conservative and safe protocols, designed to protect our student-athletes and staff who, to a person, all have remained committed to one another, displaying both the servant and sacrificial leadership needed.  I'm incredibly proud of our student-athletes staff and coaches for how they have managed themselves, and the unfortunate inconveniences of our time, in order to play/coach the sport they love and represent Murray State University.
I want to thank our President, Dr. Jackson, Board Chair Jerry Rhoads, Chair of the Athletics Committee Eric Crigler and our Board of Regents for their support as our institution navigates these challenging times. Additionally, Commissioner Beth DeBauche, the OVC staff and all the medical experts with whom we've consulted, have done a remarkable job putting our institutions in the best possible position to do what it is we love…develop young people and compete.  I'm also honored to serve with a passionate group of OVC Directors of Athletics who place the safety and well-being of their student-athletes first and foremost. Â
Despite the tremendous efforts of many, too much uncertainty remains.  Today's announcement communicates to all, that the safety and well-being of our student-athletes comes first, and above all else.
To our student-athletes at Murray State, our hearts and minds are with you.  We all share a passionate desire to coach, develop, train and compete.  Our challenging circumstances illustrate both the individual and collective value of participation in intercollegiate athletics.  Through sport, we learn to work through struggle, develop/execute strategies, perform, evaluate, improve and go again.  The staff, student-athletes, coaches and administrators in our department have exhibited the best of these qualities since March, and will do so again this fall.  We will focus our efforts on what lies ahead.  We will work diligently to address next steps.  We will improve.  We will be back!
