FRISCO, Texas – The Southland Conference Board of Directors have elected to postpone competition in the sports of football, volleyball, soccer and cross country with the intent to play conference championships during the spring announced SLC Commissioner Tom Burnett Thursday morning. The decision comes just three weeks after the league elected to not start any fall competitions for soccer or volleyball prior to Sept. 1.
 
"The Board concluded that an entire fall sports season is not likely, and that a postponement to spring can provide the important opportunities our teams annually seek," said SLC Commissioner Tom Burnett.  "While disappointed that we won't be playing these sports in the Southland's 58th year of fall competition, we look forward to a unique spring season of athletics that also includes NCAA postseason opportunities."
 
The decision to postpone the start of the fall season comes as the LU football, soccer and volleyball teams had already reported back to campus for the start of preseason drills. The LU men's and women's cross country teams were slated to report later this month.
 
"Today the Southland Conference announced that all fall conference competition will be postponed. While LU supports this decision, there is a profound sadness and disappointment for our fall sports student-athletes, coaches and staff. We understand just how much our coaches and student-athletes wanted to resume competition this fall. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and athletic support staff. These are completely unique and unprecedented times. Regardless, as a LU family, we will continue to serve, support and prioritize our student-athletes in all we do and we are committed to a safe return to competition for all our varsity sports. We look forward to working with our colleagues and exploring fall sport competitions occurring later in the academic year. Our focus now will be on the continued support of our student-athletes' academic success, physical and mental health and overall well-being."
 
Despite the announcement to postpone until the spring, the Southland made available the opportunity for institutions to compete in limited fall competitions. LU plans to continue exploring those opportunities in a safe environment.
 
With fall competition postponed, LU's primary focus will be working out the details for a safe return to competition for all sports during the spring semester.
 
"I want to assure our student-athletes, coaches and the entire fan base, that this is not a decision that was taken lightly. We understand that this is heartbreaking for many who have worked so hard to bring LU athletics back to Southeast Texas and the Golden Triangle. I want to assure everyone, that we are committed to the safe return of all sports to the LU campus. In the coming days and weeks, we will be putting together a plan for the safe return to competition. We look forward to having our fans back on campus supporting our student-athletes. We will return to competition, and we will do so in a way that is safe for everyone. I can't wait for the day to celebrate the success of our student-athletes with our great LU supporters. Our quest to be champions in the classroom, champions on the field and court and champions in life has never been more important than now and I hope all of our alumni and fans will join me in that support. We need you now more than ever. Go Cards!"