Link to Empire 8 Full Statement
Link to Sage Q & A for Student-Athletes
Link to Russell Sage Reopening Information
Albany, NY — Russell Sage College has announced that after discussions with the Empire 8 Conference membership and careful review and for the safety of all, our fall sports seasons have been postponed.
"The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and entire community remains our top priority," said Director of Athletics Sandy Augstein-Collins. "In order to follow the measures required to protect our campus community – including social distancing policies, required use of personal protective equipment and reduced off-campus travel – in conjunction with the Empire 8 Conference, we will be unable to provide intercollegiate athletic competition during the fall season. It breaks my heart to postpone more sports seasons for our student-athletes and coaches but it truly is the safe thing to do."
Despite these changes for the fall, Sage recognizes the importance of athletics participation to its student-athletes. Coaches and staff will continue to develop ways in which to engage student-athletes safely in small-group activity through in-person practices and instruction, strength and conditioning training, leadership training and team bonding activities. All students on campus will also have access to recreational and wellness opportunities, and the fitness facilities will be available in accordance with all New York State guidelines and campus protocols.
Sage's Department of Athletics and the Empire 8 are committed to providing all fall student-athletes with a meaningful conference regular-season and championship tournament experience in the spring of 2021 provided it is safe to do so. We are currently developing models and conference schedules to prepare for a successful experience. The health and wellness of our student-athletes and our campus communities will continue to be a top priority as we finalize those plans.
We remain in continued conversation with our Empire 8 partners regarding a safe return to play for the 2020-2021 academic year. Decisions surrounding winter sports competition will be made a later time in continued work with the Empire 8 and conference member institutions.
