Robert Morris plans to move its football season to the spring after the Big South announced Wednesday it will delay fall sports until then. Robert Morris is an associate member of the Big South in football.

The Big South will allow its members to play as many as four nonconference games in the fall, but Robert Morris will not follow that course, vice oresident and director of athletics Chris King said in a statement.

“(Wednesday’s) announcement by the Big South presidents and athletic directors to postpone the conference football season this fall provides RMU and our conference members with additional time to determine the best, and safest, course of action moving forward,” King said. “The presidents and athletic directors made this extremely difficult decision after extensive meetings, discussion on numerous scenarios and the consideration of many factors.”

RMU intended to play four nonconference games this season — Duquesne, VMI, Bowling Green and Hawaii — plus a full Big South schedule.

Originally, the Colonials were planning to play as an independent in 2020, but they will have the opportunity to compete for the Big South championship in spring 2021.

“With the excitement of playing as a first-year member of the Big South Conference, we recognize how meaningful this opportunity was for our student-athletes, our coaches and staff in competing for a conference championship in a new league,” King said. “We also recognize that our student-athletes and coaches will be disappointed, but our highest priority has been, and will continue to be, the health and safety of those involved in our athletics program.

“Our entire department has been dedicated throughout the summer to keep our student-athletes, coaches and staff safe as they returned to campus for workouts and practice.”

Big South commissioner Kyle Kallander said the unpredictability of the coronavirus made proceeding with fall sports difficult.

“We are all broken-hearted that we will not be able to provide competitive opportunities for Big South student-athletes this fall,” Kallander said.

“However, the path forward must protect the health and safety of our student-athletes, and some of the current trends and unknowns with covid-19 have made that a huge challenge.

“Our intention is to shift these fall seasons to the spring, as we would like nothing more than to crown Big South champions in all 19 of our sports this year if possible.”

Big South member institutions may continue with all other athletics activities, as defined by NCAA regulations, at their own discretion while following local and state regulations and procedures.

“RMU Athletics will work directly with the Big South Conference to shift our attention and provide our student-athletes and coaches with a conference schedule and a Big South Conference championship opportunity in the spring,” King said.

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