Collegiate spring sport athletes granted an extra year of eligibility due to Covid-19

by Zack Brundage

FPU’s baseball coach Mike Chambers is glad to be getting his seniors back for another year.

(photo: NCAA)

For many seniors and graduate students this sudden end to their season meant the end of their athletic careers.  After realizing that this situation was unfair, the NCAA decided to grant an extra year of eligibility for spring athletes.  The decision was received with mixed results.

Chambers, supports the NCAA’s decision with a few reservations. He said,  “It allows the seniors who want to come back the opportunity to do so.”  Furthermore, “student athletes have worked most of their lives to be recognized in their senior year; they had this occasion taken from them.”

However, there are issues with the NCAA’s decision.  There will be more athletes competing for a limited number of scholarships and playing opportunities.  This situation will likely result in students transferring between universities.

The University of Wisconsin is the first major institution to deny senior athletes the opportunity to return.  Athletic Director Barry Alvarez stated, “We appreciate everything that you’ve done. But move forward.”

Chambers has a slightly different opinion. He said “We will work with our seniors, graduate students and their parents to determine on an individual basis what is best for them and the university.”

More information can be found on the NCAA website NCAA.