Hours after the MEAC decided to suspend pursuit of a spring football season in reaction to several schools choosing to opt-out, the remaining football-playing schools expressed a commitment to move forward.
Howard said Thursday that it will advance toward a non-conference schedule that includes an undetermined amount of games versus Delaware State and South Carolina State.
“We are providing an opportunity for our student-athletes to compete, after working so hard to prepare for this unprecedented season,” said Howard athletic director Kery Davis. “As always, the health and safety of our student-athletes remain our top priority, and we will continue to follow the D.C. and CDC health and safety guidelines.
Delaware State athletic director Dr. David S. Gines said the football program is looking at a “three to five game” season beginning later this month or early March and ending by April.
Head Coach Rod Milstead explained that his players were excited by the opportunity to play even a shortened schedule.
Also read: MEAC suspends 2021 spring football season amid widespread conference opt-outs
“These young men have done everything we’ve asked of them and more,” Milstead said. “I met with them this morning, and general cheering broke out when I told them we still had a shot at a season.”
South Carolina State athletic director Stacy Danley said a statement the football team will play a “home and home conference and non-conference spring football schedule,” with the remaining MEAC schools and then one non-conference matchup.
“We consulted with our team doctors, medical professionals, coaches and student-athletes and have determined that we are able to compete this spring in all of our remaining sports including football,” said Danley. “As we move forward we will continue to make decisions based in the best interest of student-athletes’ health and safety.”
