John Wildhack's Letter to Student-Athletes

March 13, 2020

Dear Syracuse University Student-Athletes,

I realize this has been a challenging week for all of you given the impact the COVID-19 (coronavirus) has had on you and your peers. Yesterday, ACC Commissioner John Swofford, University Presidents, Chancellors, and Athletic Directors announced the decision to suspend competition and formal and organized practice indefinitely. Hours later, the NCAA Board of Governors announced the cancellation of all remaining NCAA Championships for this academic year.

My primary concern is the health and safety of you, our coaching staffs, administration, and the entire Syracuse University family. At the same time, I have tremendous empathy for all of you, particularly those who are in your competitive season. I deeply respect the commitment you make on a daily basis to achieve academically and competitively. The decision to suspend all intercollegiate athletics activity was made out of concern for your health, safety, and well-being.

To be blunt, we are in unchartered waters. We continuously receive input from University leaders, the ACC, as well as national, state, and local health officials.

We know there are many questions about the impact of the decisions that have been made, including will spring sports resume competition and issues of eligibility. My leadership team and I are working to initiate these discussions with ACC leadership and Athletic Directors. At Syracuse University, we will be guided by what is in your best interests and how we can ensure the right conversations occur within the ACC and the NCAA. We will communicate updates as we have them. To be candid, those updates may not come as quickly as we all want them.

As a reminder, please protect yourself from the virus by maintaining personal hygiene and social distancing. We posted best practices on personal hygiene on Teamworks. Please visit the University website for up-to-date information (syracuse.edu/coronavirus).

If you have questions, please talk with your coaches or your sport administrator.

Football, Men's Basketball: John Wildhack
Volleyball, Softball, Men's Rowing: Herman Frazier
Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Women's Rowing, Men's Lacrosse, Spirit: Jamie Mullin
Women's Basketball, Women's Lacrosse, Men's Soccer, Cross Country/Track & Field: Kim Keenan-Kirkpatrick
Women's Soccer, Tennis: Mark Wheeler

On behalf of the Syracuse University Athletics staff and my family, we send best wishes for good health to all of you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

John Wildhack
Director of Athletics

Syracuse University Athletics

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