Willamette and Lewis & Clark Statement on High-Risk Athletics

In consideration of restrictions in the state of Oregon and the health and safety of our student-athletes and wider campus and local communities, Willamette University and Lewis & Clark College announce with regret the cancellation of their football and men's and women's basketball seasons for 2020-21.

We understand this news is disappointing to our students and campus communities. State restrictions on competition are unlikely to change, as football and basketball are considered high-risk sports by the NCAA, and the experiences of some colleges and universities have shown this to be true, even with strong safety protocols in place.

This difficult decision was made after discussions with our Northwest Conference colleagues. We will continue to work with the Oregon Health Authority and the NWC to develop plans to return, if possible, to safe competition in lesser-risk sports.

For those student-athletes not competing this spring, we will continue to find meaningful ways for them to engage in athletic and physical activities.