PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Following a unanimous vote of the Little East Conference (LEC) Presidents Council, it has been determined the LEC will not conduct conference regular season competition or championships during the Fall 2020 semester due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each LEC member institution may seek to participate in intercollegiate competition and on-campus training activities if it chooses to do so during the Fall 2020 semester, in accordance with current health and safety guidelines and NCAA Division III rules.

This difficult decision, one we know is heart-breaking for our student-athletes, was arrived at following months of weekly planning meetings by the LEC Athletic Directors Council, which sought to find a path that led to a full return of intercollegiate competition that was safe for each member of our campus communities. This was done in consultation with state and institution health officials and epidemiologists, the LEC athletic trainers, numerous campus task forces and working groups, and in consideration of recommended health and safety guidelines from the CDC and NCAA.

Keene State will be exploring options to engage its student-athletes in a meaningful and competitive experience for Fall 2020, with a final decision on external competition expected by August 7, and it will be shared with students and families.

"We are committed to providing student athletes the opportunity to pursue their academic and athletic goals upon their return to campus while maintaining an environment that is both safe and supportive," said KSC Director of Athletics and Recreation Phil Racicot.  "Our student athletes will be engaged in team activities, practices, conditioning, leadership development and personal growth opportunities as we focus on their well-being in the face of this very disappointing news."

The conference office will examine how to best adjust the conference men's and women's basketball schedules to begin after the New Year.  The Conference and its athletic directors will also explore what opportunities may be available to conduct Fall sports regular seasons and championships during the Spring 2021 semester as they continue to monitor the ever-changing local, regional and national landscape as it relates to the pandemic.

(Portions of this release courtesy the Little East Conference)