Colgate Athletics is moving forward with the rest of the Patriot League to play a fall sports schedule this spring — along with the conclusion of basketball and hockey and regularly scheduled, but slightly altered, spring seasons.
It promises to be a jumble of games, logistics, and results (and laundry). But it’s real, and it’s coming soon to an ESPN+ livestream near you, all because the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the fall Patriot League schedules until the spring.
In addition to the nine-sport spring schedule, the Patriot League has plans to host championships for cross country, golf, outdoor track and field, women’s rowing, swimming and diving, and tennis. Competitive opportunities also will be available for indoor track and field.
Scheduling for field hockey, football, soccer, and volleyball will be limited to league-only contests. Non-league scheduling for lacrosse and softball can proceed per institutional discretion. League institutions are responsible for setting regular-season schedules for cross country, golf, rowing, swimming and diving, and indoor and outdoor track and field. Opponents must follow comparable health and safety protocols.
Consistent with the prioritization of health and safety, the 2020–21 schedule format features a significant reduction in travel and overnight stays. No teams are permitted to fly to games. Instead of the league’s traditional formats, teams are playing an increased number of games against league opponents in closer geographic proximity.
“While it certainly has been a challenge this fall with the uncertainty surrounding competition, we are so grateful and excited about the opportunity to compete this spring,” Colgate volleyball head coach Ryan Baker said.
Starting in the middle of February, Colgate volleyball tips off a 10-match schedule. Those and the rest of Colgate’s fall and spring schedules are set to be released early next month.
The hockey regular seasons began back in November, and ECAC Hockey competition is happening now, with a total of four teams competing this season. Both Colgate basketball teams tipped off their campaigns in early January for a 16-game Patriot League slate.
Those squads are set to be charging toward the postseason when their fellow student-athletes from the fall and spring sports hit the playing surfaces for what will be a crazy few months. Normally, athletics programs see crossover seasons in October/November and February/March, but nothing like what is coming this semester.
Stay tuned.
Read more on Patriot League formats and championship plans by sport.