MESSAGE FROM SHAWN BURT, DIRECTOR, ATHLETICS & RECREATION

I have some disappointing news to share with our McMaster Marauder community.

Ontario University Athletics (OUA) has cancelled all programming and championships up to Dec. 31 to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Canada West and Atlantic University Sport have also cancelled their seasons, while U SPORTS has cancelled all national championships through to Dec. 31.

These difficult decisions mean there will be no competitive season in the fall for our McMaster Marauder teams.

It is the right thing to do and the best decision for the safety and well-being of our student athletes, coaches and fans, but that doesn't make it any easier for all of us who look forward to the fall season of university sports.

I am the Director of Athletics & Recreation at McMaster, but I am also a massive fan of all of our teams and my heart goes out to each and every Marauder student-athlete as we navigate these unprecedented times.

I know all too well how hard our student-athletes have worked to achieve the highest standards in the classroom and on the field of play.
 
McMaster currently sponsors 38 varsity teams across more than 20 sports, all of which will be affected by this cancellation. While the future is uncertain, the OUA remains hopeful that it can provide quality experiences for its student-athletes starting in the new year and will be closely monitoring the ongoing health considerations and viability for these opportunities over the coming months. 
 
The OUA is exploring the possibility for fall sports to be played in some way during spring 2021. Any decision would be based on public health guidelines, the health and safety of all participants, and logistical feasibility.
 
Over the coming weeks, the Department of Athletics & Recreation will carefully consider what the cancelled fall season means for its student-athletes, coaches and staff. We want to continue to support you, and our commitment to delivering a world-class student athlete experience to our Marauder athletes is as strong as ever. If public health guidelines allow, we will focus on any opportunities to open up training and will offer ongoing support in the virtual environment.

We will need to take our time to consider what this will mean for our department. We are going to be thoughtful and consider all options and opportunities as we review this information in the context of our operations. We continue to value the commitment, flexibility and patience of our staff while we work through this. 
 
For our fans and ticket holders, we will be providing options for tickets purchased for the cancelled fall season. Please check our website for updates.

We know that this news will be received with heavy hearts, as it has been for many of us. We know things will need to be different this year, and we also know that in true Marauder spirit, we will persevere.

To read the full release from Ontario University Athletics, click here.

Sincerely,

Shawn Burt
Director, Athletics & Recreation