VANCOUVER, WA – Clark College has carefully reviewed the Northwest Athletic Conference's recently updated 2020-2021 Return to Play Plan and made the difficult decision to not offer sports programming during the 2021 spring term.
"We need to maintain our strong COVID mitigation plan that prioritizes the health and safety of our students and staff," said Clark College President Karin Edwards. "Our focus is to develop a return-to-play plan for sports for fall term 2021."
This decision will directly affect the Baseball, Softball, and Men's and Women's Track and Field competition seasons.
"I know this is disappointing news for our student athletes, especially for those in their sophomore years who have not had opportunity to compete during COVID 19," said Dr. Edwards.
Clark College Director of Athletics Laura LeMasters said that the college values each student-athlete who chose to attend Clark College and represent the Penguins in competition this spring, adding the college will honor students' athletic scholarships and aid. "We are working with our student athletes to see how we can best support them and help them be successful in their athletic and academic careers."
Clark College is planning for a return to play for the 2021 fall term as part of its campus re-entry plan. The college's Recovery Management Team will navigate the complex process of bringing back students, staff, and faculty safely and gradually.
"I think many of us are feeling as though we are done with this virus, and ready to move on, but it's clear the virus is not done with us," Said Edwards. "We must continue to be cautious and prudent in our decision-making."
About Clark College
Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.
