The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring uncertainty into the world of sports.
In the case of Prince George’s top university teams, that means next season will look a little different as decisions were made by the Canada West conference today (May 11).
The four UNBC Timberwolves’ sports programs will still play a significant amount of games, but the 2020-21 season will be shortened and divisions have been shifted or split to avoid as much travel time as possible.
The decision was supported by UNBC Athletics Director Loralyn Murdoch, who is also a member of the Canada West Sport Committee and her fellow colleagues approved the changes at their annual general meeting last week.
"We have tried our best to provide competitive opportunities for our student-athletes while being fiscally responsible, and prioritizing their health and safety first," said Murdoch in an email to PrinceGeorgeMatters.
"The commencement of these schedules will be dependent on all four provinces being cleared by their health authorities."
With the exception of men’s soccer, the T-Wolves will hail in the new B.C. Division for soccer and basketball and will only play against teams within the province.
A breakdown of how each season will operate is as follows:
Women’s and Men’s Basketball
- UNBC will play 16 games against seven (7) B.C. schools
- Three (3) games vs. four (4) teams
- Two (2) additional games vs. two (2) teams
Women’s Soccer
- UNBC will play 10 games against seven (7) B.C. schools
- Two (2) games vs. four (4) teams
- One (1) additional game vs. two (2) teams
Men’s Soccer
- UNBC will play 10 games against seven (7) Pacific-division schools
- Two (2) games vs. four (4) teams
- One (1) additional game vs. two (2) teams
"I am confident that the programs can still be successful in a shortened regional format," adds Murdoch when asked if she believes UNBC can live up to the challenge of finding success in a shortened season.
"We have the best interest of the student-athletes at heart and are cognizant of the financial situations of the institutions. Regional formats keep travel within our own province which reduces costs. The Canada West board is looking at many ways to allow for universities to compete in these unprecedented times. Being financially responsible is one of the top priorities to ensure that universities are able to field teams."
The next step for Canada West is to decide a playoff format for its sports, to which Murdoch says will present an even bigger task for UNBC coaches and athletes when putting together a winning season.
"Being one of the B.C. schools has us with six other institutions so with a modified schedule we will see everyone enough times, but not too many which will work out fine."
Official schedules for the T-Wolves will be released at a later date.
