Positive test results and close contacts among players, coaches and staff lead to decision to pause UMaine Athletics through at least Dec. 8.
Orono, Maine — President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, in consultation with the University of Maine System and other campus leaders, has made the decision that the University of Maine will pause Athletics winter activities through at least Dec. 8 due to positive test results on campus, including among individuals involved with the varsity athletic programs. UMaine will re-evaluate the situation at that time.
Scheduled games will be canceled and traveling teams will return to Orono following safety and travel protocols outlined in public health guidance. Practices and other organized activities will be modified over the coming two weeks.
This decision will most immediately impact students participating in the men’s and women’s basketball, and the men’s and women’s ice hockey programs. All games scheduled to be played between Nov. 25 and Dec. 8 have been canceled.
COVID-19 testing protocols for the teams will continue during the two-week pause.
Fall and spring sports athletes are not practicing again until mid-January.
UMaine and University of Maine System officials will continue to monitor COVID-19-related health and safety guidance, and the status of the pandemic in Maine and throughout the region while evaluating and planning for the resumption of UMaine Athletics.
“We love to see our Black Bears compete, but the health of our student athletes, coaches, staff and communities comes first,” said President Ferrini-Mundy. “We are responding to test results and contact tracing to prevent the further spread of infection within Athletics, throughout the university community and beyond.”
“While this interruption will be difficult on our teams, it is in keeping with our premise that the health and safety of our community is the priority,” said Ken Ralph, director of UMaine Athletics. “We will do all we can to positively engage our students in the safest way possible. We are grateful for the support we have received and our teams look forward to returning to competition when it is deemed safe to do so.”