Spring sports seasons are officially cancelled

With growing concerns over the spread of COVID-19 around the U.S., the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) has canceled PCC Athletics 2019-2020 spring sports season, effective immediately since Mar. 19, 2020.

“It’s important that we look out for the well-being of our student-athletes,” said Keith Curry, chair of the board of directors.

Most athletes are coming back to test their new skills and abilities that they have been practicing off-season. The rest are new athletes that have been waiting for the chance to finally get to play in college.

“Obviously the outcome is terribly disappointing for all of these young men that have worked so hard for a large majority of their life to be in a position to play a college baseball season,” said Patrick McGee, head coach for PCC’s baseball team. “While it’s natural for everyone to be experiencing this overwhelming disappointment, they [baseball players] are keenly aware and recognize the toll this is taking on people in their community, country as well as around the world.”

While the season has come to an end, the challenges might not be what everyone expected. Gerry Mora, head coach of men’s soccer, said this has definitely affected the recruiting season. Another challenge is how to make sure players are staying active.

“This definitely affects recruiting season and having a recruit night to get to know each other as a soccer team,” said Mora. “The biggest challenge is that I need to make sure my student-athletes are doing their exercise to stay fit! It is certainly going to be a challenge this upcoming season, if we get there. For now, the most important thing is our health!”

The CCCAA issued an in-person recruiting ban in effect until Apr. 15, 2020 — which means that teams who are in their off-season are looking to recruit remotely.

Dr. Erika Endrijonas, superintendent and president of PCC, announced on Mar. 19, 2020 that PCC will be closed to the public and nonessential personnel from Mar. 20 to Apr. 19.

For now, student-athletes and coaches are to focus on staying healthy and to prepare for next year’s season.

“If we have our health, our families and loved ones, we will play more baseball when the time is appropriate,” said McGee.