POTSDAM -- State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras announced that the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC), which includes SUNY Potsdam, will resume spring sports on March 20.

Lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, and track and field will all have seasons.

"I'm incredibly excited that our spring student-athletes will soon be returning to the field of play," said Potsdam Interim Director of Athletics Mark Misiak. "During these trying times, they have done everything asked of them and been true role models on our campus and in our community. I can't wait to watch them compete in just a few weeks!"

Misiak was especially appreciative of SUNYAC and Potsdam leadership.

"I also think the work of our conference commissioner, Tom DiCamillo and chair of our SUNYAC governing body, Mike Howard needs to be commended." Misiak added. "They did a remarkable job behind the scenes. I'm also extraordinarily grateful to President Kristin Esterberg for her unwavering support of SUNY Potsdam's student-athletes."

The Bears women's lacrosse team will be the first to resume action when they take to the turf in mid-March.

On Jan. 20, Chancellor Malatras sent a letter to SUNYAC asking the league to develop a plan for the possible resumption of spring athletic competition. Over the past month, the league convened more than 50 stakeholders including campus presidents, athletic directors, coaches, and health experts to develop a plan.

The final plan was adopted by SUNYAC, which includes the following:

Conference will be split into East/West region to limit travel and overnight stays

• Masks worn at all times by athletes, coaches, officials, except for athletes during competition or active practice

• No spectators pursuant to New York State Department of Health guidance

• Regular weekly testing/COVID symptom checks prior to competition

• Prior to road games, athletes will be tested within three days of departure

• No eating, masks worn on buses for travel; bus capacity reduced to 50 percent

• No handshakes, group celebrations or pre- or post-interaction with opposing team

The plan also includes that rising COVID positivity rates could delay or pause competition.

The full SUNYAC operational plans may be found online at file:///Users/Nctw5/Downloads/SUNYAC-SpringSports-Operational-Plan21.pdf.

The SUNYAC plan follows a comprehensive review of spring sports by more than 50 individual athletic administrators, coaches, assignors of officials, certified athletic trainers, and sports information directors. The plan was shared with each individual local Department of Health.

The spring sports sponsored by the SUNYAC for return under this plan are considered intermediate and low risk and will be contested outdoors. The following sports are set to begin March 20 and will continue until late May/early June: Baseball, Lacrosse (Men’s), Lacrosse (Women’s), Softball, Tennis (Women’s), and Track & Field - Outdoor (Men’s & Women’s).

The SUNYAC is an NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic conference featuring 10 full-member SUNY institutions (Brockport, Buffalo State, Cortland, Fredonia, Geneseo, New Paltz, Oneonta, Oswego, Plattsburgh and Potsdam) and one affiliate (Morrisville) that sponsors 20 championships (9 men’s, 11 women’s). There are more than 4,500 student athletes that compete in the SUNYAC.