WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced Friday that it was cancelling the remainder of the spring sports season due to growing concerns over COVID-19.
 
In a statement released to all of the 13 member schools, MIAC executive director Dan McKane stated:
 
"The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Presidents' Council has voted to cancel the 2020 conference regular season and postseason championships for spring-sports through the remainder of the academic year, effective immediately. The decision was based on the ongoing impact of the coronavirus, following the lead of the NCAA cancelling spring-sport championships and many other conferences cancelling their spring seasons.
 
The MIAC shares in the disappointment that this difficult decision will bring to student-athletes, families, coaches, and fans; however, the uncertainty of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have made it clear that for the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, athletic staff, and campus communities, it is no longer feasible for conference athletic activities to continue at this time."
 
The MIAC is working with the NCAA regarding eligibility for all student-athletes affected by the nationwide health pandemic.
 
In accordance with the MIAC's announcement, Saint Mary's is cancelling all spring sports competitions, including all nonconference contests.
 
On Thursday, the NCAA cancelled all remaining winter and all spring national championships, including the indoor national championships, in which Saint Mary's Kyle Lichttenegger was scheduled to compete.
 
The affects of COVID-19 have impacted the Saint Mary's community.
 
According to Saint Mary's president Rev. James Patrick Burns, IVD, Ph.D., "After considerable deliberation and consultation, and after reviewing local, national, and international recommendations, we will cancel all in-person classes on all campuses Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17, and will move our undergraduate and graduate courses to online delivery beginning, Wednesday, March 18, continuing through Monday, April 13. Programs and courses currently delivered online are unaffected by this change. We will reassess the situation as April 13 approaches and communicate any changes as soon as possible relative to a decision to resume normal operations beginning April 14. 
 
"The decision to move classes online has been made after considerable prayer, reflection, consultation, and discussion. Saint Mary's is known for its close and personal connections in the classroom, and for its hands-on learning and community atmosphere. In these extraordinary times, we are compelled to limit the spread of this virus. We ask for everyone's continued prayers and patience as we navigate the many new challenges this brings forth."
 
For all COVID-19-related information, Saint Mary's University has created the following website