The ACC has decided to suspend all athletic activities, which will significantly impact Pitt teams on several fronts, including participation in the NCAA Wrestling Tournament, which was subsequently canceled by the NCAA.
Also, spring football practice, games and recruiting will be discontinued for the duration of the spring.
The ban was instituted by the conference in hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus and will remain in effect until further notice, ACC Commissioner John Swofford said in a statement.
Statement from @Pitt_LykeAD on @theACC suspension of athletics activities. pic.twitter.com/xEsmq0iPqF
— Pitt Athletics (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) March 12, 2020
“This is uncharted territory and the health and safety of our student-athletes and institutions remains our top priority,” the commissioner said.
Seven Pitt wrestlers had qualified for the NCAA Tournament scheduled to begin March 19 in Minneapolis. The NCAA canceled all winter and spring championships.
“This decision was made with one priority in mind — the health and well-being of our student-athletes,” Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke said. “We are very cognizant of the disappointment that may be felt by our young people who worked and prepared so hard for their seasons. However, this is an unprecedented circumstance and we must prioritize safety and responsibility in our response to it.”
Also, Pitt’s football team was to resume spring drills Tuesday. The annual Blue-Gold game is scheduled for April 11 at Heinz Field.
Pitt’s baseball team had a three-game series with Virginia scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Charles L. Cost field on campus while the softball team was supposed to travel to the Camel Stampede for games Friday and Saturday in Buies Creek, N.C.
“The Atlantic Coast Conference has suspended all athletic-related activities,” the league said in a statement, “including all competition, formal and organized practice, recruiting and participation in NCAA championships until further notice.
“The decision was made following consultation with the league’s presidents and athletic directors to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19.”
Lyke added: “The decision to indefinitely suspend all competition, practices and recruiting is one we fully support. Our administrators, staff and coaches will remain actively engaged with all of our student-athletes, ensuring their well-being during this time of suspended athletics activity and distance learning.”
