RALEIGH (October 21, 2020) – Wake Tech is planning the return of intercollegiate athletics in 2021.
After a seven-month pause due to the pandemic, the college intends to field teams in men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, and softball and add beach volleyball to its list of varsity sports. Practice will begin December 1. Basketball games will start in January, and other sports will compete later in the spring semester.
Student-athletes, coaches and game personnel must comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols, including health screenings before training and games, wearing a mask when feasible, and practicing social distancing.
"Our student-athletes are eager to play so we are excited about getting back on the court and field in a safe manner," said Wake Tech Athletic Director Brian Anweiler. "Our student-athletes and coaches must be honest and report any symptoms. They are expected to wear face coverings and practice social distancing on campus as well as outside athletic participation. This year is not just about competing but moving forward as a team."
Any Wake Tech student-athletes who wish to transfer to another college will be released from National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Letters of Intent. The college will continue to honor any NJCAA Letter of Intent scholarship obligations. In addition, scholarships will be honored for any student-athlete that wishes to opt-out of competition for the 2020-21 academic year.
Traditional fall sports of court volleyball, men's soccer, and women's soccer will not be sponsored for the spring. In addition, Wake Tech made the difficult decision to discontinue men's and women's golf as a cost-savings measure.
The return to play decision was made using the most current information to date and could change as new developments warrant.
Meanwhile, the college is finalizing details on the spring semester plan for students, faculty and staff. More information will be announced in the coming days.