In a message to the Oswego campus community, President Deborah F. Stanley shared, that today (Feb. 23, 2021) "SUNY Chancellor James Malatras joined me here at SUNY Oswego to announce intercollegiate athletic competition in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) for the spring sports of men’s and women’s track & field, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and women’s tennis has been approved. Those sports will begin preparing for their 2021 abbreviated seasons soon, under the support and guidance of their coaches, while strictly following the safe play guidelines provided by the NCAA, New York State and local departments of health, and the SUNY System."

At SUNY Oswego, we will also be working toward approving opportunities for our student-athletes to compete in non-SUNYAC spring sports including men's golf and men's tennis.

On January 20, 2021 Chancellor Malatras sent a letter to SUNYAC asking the league to develop a plan for the possible resumption of spring athletic competition. Over the past month, the league convened more than 50 stakeholders including campus presidents, athletic directors, coaches, and health experts to develop a plan. The final plan was adopted by SUNYAC, which includes the following:

  • Conference will be split into East/West region to limit travel and overnight stays
  • Masks worn at all times by athletes, coaches, officials, except for athletes during competition or active practice
  • No spectators pursuant to New York State Department of Health guidance
  • Regular weekly testing/COVID symptom checks prior to competition
  • Prior to road games, athletes will be tested within three days of departure
  • No eating, masks worn on buses for travel; bus capacity reduced to 50 percent
  • No handshakes, group celebrations or pre- or post-interaction with opposing team

The plan also includes that rising COVID positivity rates could delay or pause competition.

The full SUNYAC operational plans may be found online here. 

President Stanley said, "I want to thank and acknowledge the dedication, tenacity and insight of Chancellor Malatras, our SUNYAC presidents, and Conference Commissioner Tom DiCamillo, as well as SUNY Oswego Athletic Directors Eric Summers and Dan Kane, Head Athletic Trainer Kevin Joyce and our campus coaches for their hard work in producing a plan for spring 2021 that is feasible, while still being highly focused on safety. I want to especially note that our athletes have been part of an amazing effort to stay strong, well and ready to compete. We know it has taken the commitment of all our students to step up and play a critical role in helping to mitigate the spread of the virus on the Oswego campus and in the greater community."

"The pandemic has kept our student athletes off the playing field for too long, but thanks to the great work and effort of SUNYAC Commissioner DiCamillo, our campus presidents, the SUNYAC leadership, athletic directors, coaches, and our athletes, we’ve developed a workable plan to resume athletic competition at SUNY,” said Chancellor Malatras. “I look forward to all of the great competition this year, and SUNY, like always, will aggressively handle any situations related to COVID as they emerge. I have confidence in our students—both on and off the field—to stay the course and comply to keep one another and our entire campuses and communities safe.”

SUNYAC Commissioner Tom DiCamillo said, “This plan has come together after consultation with SUNYAC presidents and experts across the campuses, as well as close partnership with our local health officials. It includes a thorough strategy to keep players, coaches, and personnel safe, and we are pleased to get the season started for more of our SUNYAC teams. My thanks to Chancellor Malatras for his support.”

SUNY Oswego Senior Myles Felton, Baseball, said, “We know this wasn’t an easy decision, and my teammates and I are thankful and beyond excited. This is what we have dedicated so much of our time to do—compete. We are ready to play and will continue to do what we can to keep each other safe.”

Oswego Mayor William J. Barlow said, “I applaud Chancellor Malatras’ announcement today allowing for SUNY spring sports to resume. SUNY’s safety protocols and aggressive testing infrastructure have proven, over and over, to be effective and serves as the main reason sports can safely re-start this spring. I’m confident our student athletes will act responsibly and know that re-starting SUNY Oswego’s athletic program is an important component to our SUNY community and, as a result, the entire Oswego community.”

"We understand how important competition is for you, our student-athletes, and want you to be able to safely participate and compete this spring in the sports you love. The administration of the college, the Lakers athletics staff and your coaches stand ready to support you. I assure you that we will remain focused on your safety, while we help you succeed in the classroom and on the field of play," added President Stanley. 

It’s a great day to be a Laker. #OswegoPride  #TogetherOz