CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) has announced their decision to suspend 2021 spring athletics amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in Ohio and other states.
The decision was made as record-high cases continue to persist and health officials predict a continuing trend for the coming months.
"The risk of spreading COVID-19 during team activities is simply too great at this time," a press release from Tri-C reads. "It would be challenging — if not impossible — to implement the precautions and protocols needed to ensure a safe environment during competition, practices and other aspects of athletic."
In June, the college reluctantly suspended fall and winter athletics under similar concerns. At the time, a decision on spring sports was delayed with hope that the outbreak would be under control.
Tri-C joins a number of rival colleges and universities in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference who have also made the difficult decision to suspend athletic programs for some or all of the 2020-2021 academic year.
"The suspension of spring sports affects three Tri-C teams — men’s baseball, women’s softball and women’s track — that often earn national rankings and recognition. The teams also had their 2020 seasons suspended due to COVID-19," the release continues.
As confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to rise, ten Northeast Ohio counties are now operating under a Level 3 "red" alert as far as risk, indicating "very high exposure and spread." Cuayahoga County, which includes Tri-C, is currently on a watch list for Level 4 "purple". Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that while the the state will not be "issuing additional orders" for counties in Level 4 at this time, it is possible that he could eventually down the line based on a county's risk level.
