West Virginia cancels spring game
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After the Big 12 extended its suspension of all team activities from Sunday to May 31, West Virginia canceled its Gold-Blue spring football game, which had been scheduled for April 18 at Milan Puskar Stadium.
“It’s disappointing for our players and fans that the Gold-Blue Spring Game is canceled. The game is the highlight of the spring for everyone,” coach Neal Brown said. “These are very serious times, and this is the right decision. We need to do everything we can to protect our student-athletes, University, state and community.
“Last year’s spring game was a great day, and let’s work to bring the event back bigger and better next April.”
The suspension, announced Sunday by the Big 12, includes team and individual practices, meetings and other organized gatherings. Conference officials said the suspension will be re-evaluated and adjusted, depending on developments surrounding the coronavirus.
The Big 12 allowed for virtual sessions with student-athletes. Film study, technical discussions, tactical sessions and other non-physical activities may take place virtually but are limited to two hours per week in all sports.
“We will continue to work with the Big 12 to come up a fair and competitive plan for our athletic teams as we approach May 31,” WVU athletic director Shane Lyons said.
Lyons also said Mountaineer Athletic Club events in April and May, including dinners, caravans and golf outings, are postponed.
“Our Mountaineer Athletic Club events are important to us because they enable our coaches and staff to travel around the state and visit with our fans,” he said. “We are exploring the opportunity for virtual MAC sessions to allow our fans to interact with our coaches while maintaining a social distance.
“I look forward to providing more information on these sessions when it is available.”