Michigan and Ohio State are among the programs that have canceled their annual spring games, as schools around the country continue to strategize around the coronavirus outbreak.
In a broad press release, announcing several layers of cancellations and adjustments, Michigan announced it won’t play its scrimmage scheduled for April 18 in Ann Arbor. It also announced Wednesday that all third-party competitions and events scheduled in and on its athletic facilities through April 21 are canceled, as well.
Outside events scheduled after April 21, the school said, will be addressed on a case-by-case basis or until further guidance is available, and the school will “work proactively with all groups on refunds.”
Last month, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh announced the Wolverines would not take an international trip — traditionally an offseason staple in the coach’s tenure — due to coronavirus concerns. With the outbreak worsening domestically, this was the next step.
“The health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is paramount as we assess the near and long-term potential impacts,” the school’s press release said. “This is a rapidly evolving situation.”
There are likely to be more programs joining in this strategy over the next few days. Also on Wednesday, following Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s order regarding “mass gatherings” due to the coronavirus outbreak, Ohio State (April 11) and Cincinnati (April 10) announced they would not hold their spring games.
“The university has been working closely with DeWine,” an Ohio State press release said, “who has recommended that sporting events can continue, but with extremely limited spectators, as the state continues its efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.”
All other Ohio State sporting events for the remainder of this academic year “will be limited to student-athletes and their immediate family members, team coaches and staff, essential event management, operational and facility staff, and credentialed members of the media.”
Ohio State and Michigan also suspended all official and unofficial football recruiting visits. Ohio State’s recruiting policy runs through April 20, while Michigan’s did not specify an end date.