University of Richmond Athletics
Photo by: Scott Brown
CAA Football Suspends Fall Season
07/17/2020 | Football
RICHMOND, Va. -- The Colonial Athletic Association Football announced Friday that the Conference's Board of Directors has voted to suspend conference competition in the fall of 2020 due to continuing concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.Â
Â
"While the decision to suspend our fall sports season is deeply disappointing, I fully support the action taken by the CAA Board of Directors," said John P. Hardt, Vice President & Director of Athletics. "They properly prioritized the welfare of our communities above all else as it became clear that suspending; fall sports was necessary to protect the health and safety of our student-athletes, our campus, and the community."Â
Â
The conference expressed a strong commitment to exploring the possibility of conducting a football season during the Spring of 2021, and will continue to analyze this scenario as more information becomes available and conditions continue to evolve.
"Our nation finds itself in very challenging and uncertain times; however, I know our Richmond coaches and staff will remain focused on ensuring the best experiences possible for all of our student-athletes as we move forward," said Hardt.  "While there's no question our dedicated Spider student-athletes, coaches and staff were hoping for a different outcome, COVID-19 has made it imperative to take every necessary precaution to ensure the wellbeing of our student-athletes, staff, and fans.  We are and will remain committed to doing all we can to provide healthy competitive opportunities for all of our fall sports programs, perhaps in the spring."
"I feel sorry for our players and our team," head coach Russ Huesman said. "This was an extremely difficult decision made by the CAA Board of Directors but it was made in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of our student-athletes, coaches and staff. Our focus now is being there for guys and supporting them through this unprecedented time. Spider football is no stranger to adversity and I know our team will be ready when we are able to safely return to the field."
Â
--UR—
Â
Â
Â
Â
"While the decision to suspend our fall sports season is deeply disappointing, I fully support the action taken by the CAA Board of Directors," said John P. Hardt, Vice President & Director of Athletics. "They properly prioritized the welfare of our communities above all else as it became clear that suspending; fall sports was necessary to protect the health and safety of our student-athletes, our campus, and the community."Â
Â
The conference expressed a strong commitment to exploring the possibility of conducting a football season during the Spring of 2021, and will continue to analyze this scenario as more information becomes available and conditions continue to evolve.
"Our nation finds itself in very challenging and uncertain times; however, I know our Richmond coaches and staff will remain focused on ensuring the best experiences possible for all of our student-athletes as we move forward," said Hardt.  "While there's no question our dedicated Spider student-athletes, coaches and staff were hoping for a different outcome, COVID-19 has made it imperative to take every necessary precaution to ensure the wellbeing of our student-athletes, staff, and fans.  We are and will remain committed to doing all we can to provide healthy competitive opportunities for all of our fall sports programs, perhaps in the spring."
"I feel sorry for our players and our team," head coach Russ Huesman said. "This was an extremely difficult decision made by the CAA Board of Directors but it was made in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of our student-athletes, coaches and staff. Our focus now is being there for guys and supporting them through this unprecedented time. Spider football is no stranger to adversity and I know our team will be ready when we are able to safely return to the field."
Â
--UR—
Â
Â
Â
Football vs VMI Postgame
Saturday, September 20
Football Weekly Press Conference - September 17th
Wednesday, September 17
Football Weekly Press Conference - September 10th
Wednesday, September 10
Football Weekly Press Conference - September 3rd
Wednesday, September 03