Lakeland Community College Nov. 18 announced it has suspended its participation in National Junior College Athletic Association-sanctioned sports for the indoor 2020-21 season, affecting men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball.
School officials stated the decision was driven largely by concerns over the unpredictable nature of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the coming months and the impact it has on the ability to ensure the athletes’ safety.
“This was a difficult decision because athletics are a vital part of recruitment and student success initiatives,” the statement reads.
Lakeland is not alone, however, as several other Ohio community colleges have also suspended all or some of their sport programs, including Cuyahoga Community College, Columbus State Community College, Lorain County Community College, Sinclair Community College and Owens Community College.
Scholarship commitments to new or returning indoor sport student-athletes will be honored in 2020-21, officials confirmed.
Student-athletes on athletic scholarships enrolled for the Spring 2021 semester will be required to maintain academic progress and follow the academic retention program throughout the year.
