The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has canceled all remaining winter sports championships, including those already underway because of concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 according to an official statement from the NAIA.

“The health and safety of our student-athletes, as well as all involved in our championship events, is the NAIA’s highest priority.” announced the governing body, “We will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments and NAIA leadership will work closely with our member institutions to determine the best path forward for future NAIA events, including all spring 2020 championships.”

The Loyola cheer and dance teams, as well as both Wolf Pack basketball teams recently qualified for NAIA national championship tournaments. The basketball teams had  found out their tournament seeding less than 24 hours before the event’s cancellation.

“During this unpredictable time, we support the NAIA’s decision to cancel the championships of winter sports.” said Loyola Athletic Director Brett Simpson,  “The health and safety of our student-athletes remain our first priority, and the decision was made with them, as well as everyone involved, in mind.”