In the wake of the Northeast Conference postponing the start of its fall sports seasons amidst the covid-19 pandemic, Duquesne is taking a patient and cautious approach in regards to its football and women’s bowling teams, associate members of the conference.
“We are continuing to monitor all the health data and information on a daily basis,” athletic director Dave Harper said in a statement released Thursday. “In the world of athletics, you have to win the day by assuring student-athlete well-being on a daily basis and addressing the challenges that arise during return-to-activity plans.
“Our focus is to try to preserve a competitive season this academic year for our student-athletes, but only when that can be done with the proper health and safety conditions in place. That will be dictated by multiple entities.
“When the window for considering return to competition arises, that decision, again, will be made with health and safety as the guiding pillar.”
The NEC Council of Presidents will meet by Oct. 1 to consider its options for the fall seasons.
Duquesne’s football team is scheduled to play six NEC teams, starting with Central Connecticut on Oct. 3. Playing those games will depend on future covid-19 developments. The Dukes’ opener is Sept. 5 on the road against Air Force.
