Machias suspends sports, Augusta announces changes to seasons

(YSCC) - Significant changes in the Yankee Small College Conference sports schedules announced amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The University of Maine, Machias announced the indefinite suspension of intercollegiate sports in a press release Tuesday morning. 

The statement from head of campus Dan Qualls and athletic director Michael Belanger read: 'The University of Maine at Machias will suspend its intercollegiate athletics program for an indefinite period, effective July 21.

'The suspension is part of a broader effort to reduce expenditures and restructure campus operations in response to budget constraints, which have been exacerbated by unexpected costs and loss of revenues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

'The change will affect two full-time employees, four temporary part-time coaches and 73 student-athletes, including 20 new recruits. Those affected have been personally notified by athletics and fitness director Mike Belanger and head of campus Dan Qualls.

'This decision was made after an in-depth review of the athletics program, during which we explored a number of options for reducing costs without suspending operations," says Qualls. "It became clear that, under the constraints of our current budget, and especially in light of the additional costs and safety concerns associated with the pandemic, we would not be able to provide the necessary facilities, equipment and resources for a safe and competitive environment for our student-athletes.

'The success of our student-athletes is our top priority during this difficult time. Though I appreciate the impact this action will have on these valued members of our community, it's a necessary step to ensure the long-term viability of our institution and the continued success of all UMM students."

'For those student-athletes who wish to complete their studies at UMM, the university has committed to honoring scholarships through the 2023–24 academic year. University staff also will provide advising and support for those students choosing to transfer to another institution.

'Belanger, who will continue in his role as fitness director, will form a committee this fall in partnership with the University of Maine Campus Recreation program to explore options for expanding nonvarsity sports offerings, including e-sports.

'This is a sad day for the Clipper family, especially for our student-athletes who work so hard to excel on the field, court, track, and in the classroom," says Belanger.

'However, I remain excited about the future of UMM and am looking forward to developing intramural and club sports activities with the support of UMaine recreation staff. These programs have the potential to be more sustainable for our small campus, while still giving our students opportunities to enrich their college experience through athletic competition," Belanger says.'

The University of Maine, Augusta also announced changes. 

Jennifer Laney, UMA Director of Student Life & Athletic, released a statement saying, 'After careful consideration regarding the circumstances brought on by the current state of the global pandemic, the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) has made the difficult decision to postpone competitive sports for the fall 2020 semester until the spring semester of 2021.

'The mission of the UMA athletic department is to create positive leaders and citizens through a focus on personal growth opportunities, academic excellence, wellness initiatives, and community outreach. In the fall semester, UMA will continue to provide opportunities for engagement within health and safety guidelines, including practices and team activities. As always, coaches and staff are committed to providing the best possible experience to UMA student-athletes. The UMA fall athletic programs affected by this decision are the co-ed golf, men's and women's cross-country, as well as men's and women's basketball.

'This decision is not one that we have taken lightly," says Laney. 'Competitive athletic programs are an important part of many students' college experience at UMA. However, the shared safety concerns within the conferences in which we participate guided this postponement."

UMA Athletics is working in conjunction with the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) to coordinate plans for the return of athletics in spring 2021 and provide meaningful experiences for students to compete while meeting University of Maine System policies as well as federal, state, and local health directives.'

YSCC President Matt Richards spoke of the challenging times ahead for member institutions. 

"(UMaine-Machias) was very involved in (upcoming season) conversations. I was a little surprised today when I got the notification that they were suspending athletics indefinitely." 

Richards stressed the league was not involved in the UMM decision but said he understands the struggle colleges and universities are dealing with during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Yes, the conference would like to be involved in decisions of that magnitude. And so, (we are) disappointed that we weren't. However, with that being said, we are certainly in a one of a kind situation within higher education," said Richards.

Richards added he feels for the impacted YSCC student-athletes and coaches.

"(Machias and Augusta) certainly put a lot of heart and soul into the experiences there and having that cut short is obviously devastating for student-athletes and disappointing for coaches."

The Yankee Small College Conference will continue to provide updates on the conferences COVID-19, coronavirus response as details become available.