By: Zack Kime ’22, staff writer
Now that students are returning to LVC’s campus and sports teams are ending their preseason plans, it’s time for the long-awaited spring athletics season.
There’s one thing missing though…the fans.
With LVC being a part of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), they’re subject to any of the rules and regulations imposed on them and their surrounding institutions by the conference board.
As of Feb. 19, the MAC announced plans to return each spring sport to campus and pursue a modified season.
“MAC has announced its plans to proceed with spring sports and swimming beginning in March,” MAC officials said. “The return dates, schedules and championship formats have been determined.”
Shortly thereafter, realizing that the excitement from releasing schedules would cause fan interest, the MAC was again put in a position to make an announcement.
Unfortunately for those asking, the news would be much less pleasing than what they got concerning the eligibility of their season.
“As the MAC prepares to begin spring competition, conference leadership believes that protecting the health and safety of the student-athletes and the greater campus communities must take priority,” MAC officials said. “No individuals outside of those deemed necessary to conduct the event may attend, including students, faculty or staff.”
Immediately before competition began, the MAC doubled down and rereleased the same statement on March 3, emphasizing that they will continue to evaluate the circumstances as the situation changes.
This decision came as a surprise to many eager LVC families, teams and supporters alike due to the loosening of capacity limits for indoor and outdoor sporting events recently passed by Governor Tom Wolf.
“We need to balance protecting public health with leading the state to a robust economic recovery,” Wolf said in a statement March 1.
The ease of restrictions will allow for 15-20% capacity, regardless of the venue size. This is a major implication for professional sports organizations but leaves unanswered questions at the collegiate level.
As of now, LVC has adhered the wishes of the MAC and continues to put the campus’ health and safety above all, leaving fans to turn to live streams and feeds to watch the games.
“Some livestreams are better than others,” an LVC parent who wished to remain anonymous, said. “You’d be surprised how much a play-by-play announcer can make a difference, no matter the sport.”
Other LVC parents, when asked, mentioned that they were especially looking forward to seeing their child’s senior season in person.
Regardless of the reason, it’s evident that fans want to attend these spring sporting events and are showing intent to comply with social distancing and masking regulations.
Whether the MAC decides to change it’s ruling or not, there’s one thing that LVC athletics certainly isn’t lacking…the support of it’s fans.
For more information regarding the MAC and their official rulings on any subject matter, visit https://gomacsports.com/news/2021/3/3/general-mac-update-on-spectators.aspx