UNC football to pursue a modified spring schedule, focus on fall 2021 campaign
UNC Athletics
GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado football program will not participate in the Big Sky Conference and FCS spring championship season. Instead, UNC will pursue a modified non-conference schedule in late spring.
The health and safety of student-athletes and coaches, in conjunction with staffing and facility challenges associated with multiple sports competing simultaneously, necessitated the difficult decision. UNC is one of five Big Sky programs to either opt-out of or pursue a modified spring schedule, joining Montana, Montana State, Portland State and Sacramento State.
“We strive to provide the highest level of care to all of our student-athletes,” Director of Athletics Darren Dunn said. “I feel terrible we had to make this difficult decision and how it is going to impact our football student-athletes. However, this path allows us to provide the best care and support for not only our football program but all seventeen of our intercollegiate sports. While we are disappointed to not compete in the Big Sky this spring, we are excited to follow the team in Coach McCaffrey’s first season this fall.”
Head coach Ed McCaffrey said he feels for the student-athletes and coaches who have prepared mentally and physically for the spring season, adding “This is the difficult, but right decision for us. Our players and staff worked over the past months to build a great culture and team that is ready to compete for championships. But the health and safety of our players take precedence over everything else. After missing last spring and most of summer training due to the pandemic, I am eager to use this spring to safely prepare for a full season in the fall.”
Northern Colorado will focus on developing a spring schedule more in line with traditional spring practice to properly develop the program in a safer, more controlled atmosphere while investigating competition opportunities against regional opponents that reduce risks associated with extended travel.
To stay up to date on all things Northern Colorado football, visit UNCBears.com, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the UNC Athletics App by clicking here.
Ryan Pfeifer
Director of Strategic Communication
O: 970-351-3645 | C: 720-290-8886
#Bears Strong | @Rpfeifer82
