Due to health and safety concerns caused by COVID-19, Citrus College decided to opt out of Spring II California Community College Athletic Association 2021 sports competitions.
The Spring II competitive season starts on April 10 and ends on June 23.
Assistant Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach Jackie Boxley said that baseball, softball, men’s golf and swimming would normally be in session right now.
Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics Junior Domingo did not reply to requests for comment between Feb. 26 and March 17.
The decision was made in accordance with state and county guidelines to protect the health of student-athletes and coaches, Citrus College Athletics said in a Feb. 26 press release.
“It’s a bummer for our student-athletes,” Boxley said in a phone interview. She said student-athletes have expressed both frustration and understanding for the current COVID-19 situation.
Boxley said that some student-athletes are tasked with balancing work and athletics. “Priorities are starting to change for some of them as well, which is tough because this is a huge part of their life,” Boxley said.
Having a routine is a crucial part of student athletics and without it, Boxley said many student-athletes are struggling to stay motivated.
“A lot of it is reminding ourselves that our body is our tool and we need to maintain it,” Boxley said.
The press release states that Citrus College Athletics continues to work with Citrus College’s COVID-19 workgroup with hopes of developing a plan to safely resume competitions later in the spring semester.
“We apologize for the inconveniences that this decision poses to each of our student-athletes,” Citrus College Athletics said. “We understand the implications and impacts that this has on our student-athletes, both with their academic and athletic goals.”
Boxley wants student-athletes to remember that their coaches are still there for them.
“Hang in there,” Boxley said. “Use us, reach out to us, call us, stay in contact. Stay active, there’s still going to be a future. Remember what the big picture is.”
