Chris Del Conte responds to decisions by Big 12, university

By Steve Lansdale

AUSTIN, Texas — As stories and details about the coronavirus and its effects continue to multiply, Texas vice president and athletics director Chris Del Conte responded to new decisions and how they affect UT teams, coaches and student-athletes.

“We spent today talking to our coaches and as many of the student-athletes and teams as possible,” Del Conte said in a statement released Thursday through the Texas athletic department. “I thought it was imperative that we shared with them all of the facts as we know them and what the next steps are. It’s an extremely difficult time for them, and we certainly share their pain and disappointment. But it’s also important for them to understand the magnitude of the situation and that these decisions are being made in the best interest of everyone’s health, safety and well-being. It is an unprecedented time in college athletics and it’s imperative we make every effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).”

Del Conte’s statement[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)] included his reaction to the announcement from the Big 12 conference office that all athletic competitions, against both conference and non-conference opponents, would be cancelled for the rest of the academic year.

“The most significant news of the day came this evening when, in addition to the Big 12’s previously announced suspension of athletics activities until March 29, the conference also decided to cancel all athletic competition for the remainder of the spring season,” Del Conte said. “It was a hard piece of news to share with our teams, since they’ve worked so hard in preparation for this year. The situation is still fluid as practices and other team activities remain suspended until March 29, but will be re-evaluated by the Big 12 at that time. Additionally, the NCAA is in discussion on how they’ll handle eligibility status for current winter and spring sports student-athletes.

He also addressed the decision by the university to extend spring break for an extra week. The announcement from the university made clear that the best approach for students would be to go home, but also took into consideration the fact that it is not possible for all students to do so.

“The other key update from our end is our response to campus extending spring break an additional week until March 29,” Del Conte said. “During that time, we’re encouraging student-athletes to go home and take care of themselves, understanding that some will need to remain on campus. The dorms will continue to be available and dining halls are accessible, as well, but there will be no practice, strength and conditioning work, athletic training room availability or team functions. However, our sports medicine staff will be available for our student-athletes to contact remotely.”

Del Conte said that while students are on spring break, the university, including the athletic department, will take steps to ensure that the campus is as safe as possible for student-athletes, faculty and staff when they return … whenever that is.

“While the student-athletes are on break, our medical personnel will be developing mitigation strategies for athletics activities in anticipation of their return to campus,” he said. “All facilities, dorms and the dining hall will be thoroughly deep-cleaned and sanitized to provide the safest possible environment for when they return. We are monitoring this situation in concert with our campus administration and the health and government agencies they are working with. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.”
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