COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Presidents' Council voted Monday to delay the start of fall sports practice to Aug. 24, and the first date of competition to Sept. 18.
 
The Council also agreed to a conference-only schedule for the sports of football, men's soccer, women's soccer and volleyball.
 
"While we are disappointed that we won't be starting our athletics seasons on time, we are committed to the health and safety of our student-athletes, first and foremost, at MSU Denver," said Todd Thurman, the Roadrunners' director of athletics. "We have to be patient as we wait for this crisis to end, and we have to stay positive in knowing that it will eventually come to an end."
 
The RMAC Presidents' Council reviewed current local, state and national COVID-19 guidelines, including the NCAA and agreed that closely aligning with these current best practices was essential to maintain a safe and healthy playing environment.
 
Review of safety precautions and protocols will continue throughout the fall as the RMAC and its members monitor any need for further adjustments.
 
Many Division II conferences have pushed back the start of their seasons, with several delaying the resumption of athletics until after Jan. 1.