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Athletics: Fall sports move to winter 2021

volleyball players in action

Due to safety protocols established by the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) and supported by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, HFC fall sports – volleyball, golf, wrestling, and men’s basketball – have been moved to the Winter 2021 season.

“Each team has a limited window in the fall for team conditioning and to finalize the rosters,” said HFC Athletic Director Rochelle Taylor.

Fall sports that have been moved to winter will begin on the following dates:

  • Wrestling will begin Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.
  • Golf will begin Sunday, Jan 10, 2021.
  • Volleyball will begin Monday, Jan. 11, 2021.
  • Men’s basketball will begin Monday, Jan. 11, 2021.

HFC has suspended women’s basketball for one year. Coach Kareem Hogan left the program suddenly. The College was unable to hire a new coach and recruit players during the pandemic, so the 2020-21 season is being suspended.

Winter sports will also begin in January

All regular winter sports will start in January, with a majority of their post-season championship games moved back one month from March to April.

"Our greatest focus is and always has been providing the best opportunities for our student-athletes," NJCAA president/CEO Christopher Parker said in a statement. "Through a unified effort from our presidential advisory council, the board of regents, and leadership staff, our most recent plan of action provides a path that keeps our student-athletes competing at the highest level with proper safety measures in place. As we move forward as an association, we will continue to provide opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches, and all those involved with the NJCAA to be safe and successful."

Spring sports on schedule; live streaming is on the docket

As of now, the spring sports of golf, baseball, and softball will proceed with their schedules as planned. This could change if necessary.

“We want to focus on the health and safety of our student-athletes and coaches, as well as that of visiting teams,” said Taylor. “These safety protocols are being reviewed based on the most current state guidelines. At minimum, we are limiting travel parties, conducting temperature and symptom checks, and removing water cannisters and towels from gym floors. We also plan to host games without spectators. We are also looking into live streaming our home events to keep our fans engaged with Hawks Athletics.”

For questions or more information about HFC athletics, visit HenryFordHawks.com or contact Taylor at rtaylor33@hfcc.edu.