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A handful of interesting headlines have popped up over the last few weeks, so we wanted to keep our readers informed about what is happening around the NCAA.
William & Mary Women Will Not Represent University Unless Men's Team Is Reinstated
In an open letter to the "Administration and Board of Visitors" at William & Mary, the women's track and field team -- motivated by the university's decision to cut the men's indoor and outdoor track teams -- stated that they will not represent the university until "the matter is resolved".
The statement from William & Mary's women's track team -- which was signed by 26 student-athletes -- stems from a September 3rd announcement from the university which stated that the men's indoor and outdoor track teams (among other programs) were to be cut at the completion of the 2020-21 academic calendar.
On October 19th, the university reinstated their women's volleyball team, women's gymnastics team and women's swim team in an effort to stay compliant with Title IX. Earlier this year, we interviewed the men of William & Mary about the university's decision to cut their track program.
Updates On Extended Eligibility
Here is the current status for certain divisions on extended eligibility...
NCAA D1: Student-athletes who compete at the NCAA D1 level in winter sports this year will receive an additional season of eligibility.
NCAA D2: Student-athletes who compete at the NCAA D2 level in winter sports this year will receive an additional season of eligibility via waiver.
NCAA D3: The DIII Management Council has offered a "recommendation" to the Presidents Council which, if approved, would allow D3 student-athletes to compete this year without losing their athletic eligibility. The recommendation will be reviewed by the Presidents Council on October 28th.
NAIA: No known updates.
NJCAA: All NJCAA athletes who compete in fall, winter or spring sports during the 2020-2021 academic calendar will not lose their athletic eligibility.
Mid-American Conference (MAC) Approves "Operational Plan" For XC, Will Hold Conference XC Championships on November 21st
Earlier today, the Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced that they have approved an "operational plan" for men's and women's cross country this fall. The MAC XC Championships will now be held on November 21st (Saturday) at a destination that has not yet been decided.
Northeast Conference Cancels Indoor Conference Championships, CIAA Delays Start of All Winter Sports
Earlier this month, the Northeast Conference (D1) announced that they are cancelling their 2021 Indoor Track & Field Championships due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19. The conference is continuing to evaluate competition opportunities for the spring.
Separately, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) (D2) announced at the beginning of the month that they will be delaying the start of competition for all winter sports. A start date for indoor track and field is "still under review".
The CIAA has also officially decided "not to sponsor championship seasons" for men's and women's cross country during the 2020-21 academic year.
Cory Leslie Leaves Arizona State to Coach For Tinman Elite, Former USC Distance Coach Pat Henner Joins Sun Devils
Cory Leslie, the former distance coach at Arizona State University, has left Tempe and has joined the professional training group Tinman Elite as a "Director and Assistant Coach".
Leslie was responsible for adding numerous distance transfers to Arizona State's roster over the past few years, including (but not limited to) Garrett O'Toole, Will Paulson, Jane Miller, Henry Raymond, Alex George and Fearghal Curtin.
Following the departure of Cory Leslie, the Sun Devils added Pat Henner (formerly of USC) as the team's new head cross country coach.
Henner is a highly accomplished distance coach who was responsible for the development of top 800 meter runners Rob Ford and Isaiah Jewett during his time with the Trojans. Prior to joining the coaching staff at USC, Henner was a long-time coach at Georgetown were he produced countless All-Americans during his 16 years with the Hoyas.
Allie Ostrander Joins Seattle Pacific University As A Volunteer Assistant Coach
Allie Ostrander, a three-time NCAA champion in the steeplechase who earned countless accolades during her time with Boise State and is now training professionally with the Brooks Beasts, has joined the Seattle Pacific coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach.
Seattle Pacific, a Division Two program, has produced a handful of respectable distance talents over the last few years, specifically on the women's side. During the 2019 cross country season, the Falcon women finished 12th at the NCAA XC Championships.
SPU's top scorer Dania Holmberg was ranked at TSR #12 in The Stride Report's "If Everything Was Normal" 2020 preseason D2 cross country rankings.
Inaugural "America's Race" Between Air Force, Army & Navy Set For November 11th
Earlier today, the Army West Point cross country program announced that they will be hosting the inaugural "America's Race" service academy cross country championships which will take place on Wednesday, November 11th.
This will be the first-ever tri-meet between Air Force, Army and Navy according to the release.