The fall athletics season is moving forward at Bluffton University with teams designated as low-contact sports starting competition this week. Medium and high contact sports will begin competition later this fall after following extensive protocols outlined by the NCAA.

"It is one of our priorities to be able to provide an intercollegiate athletics experience for our student-athletes and our campus community, even during this time," said Dr. Jane Wood, president of Bluffton University.

"Athletic practice and competitive play is important for the physical and mental health of our students. We believe this can be done through our safer return to athletics plan. We are excited for our student athletes to continue practicing and playing as safely as possible."

Following a decision last week from the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference's Presidents Council, conference competition for fall athletics will move to the spring.

This means fall student-athletes will have the opportunity to play some games this fall as well as a full slate of conference games during the spring semester.

Bluffton University is closely following the NCAA Resocialization Guidelines, as well as notifying all players of the risks associated with the low, medium or high impact classifications of each sport as designated by the NCAA.

While schedules are still being finalized, men's and women's golf along with cross country will compete throughout September and October.

The men's golf season opens at Tiffin on Thursday, Sept. 3, while the women's golf team travels to the Lourdes Fall Invitational on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Cross country will begin inter-squad competition on Saturday, Sept. 5, before welcoming Manchester and Transylvania on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Football, volleyball and men's and women's soccer are in the process of scheduling a limited number of competitions for mid-to-late October once all NCAA COVID-19 phasing protocols have been met.

As part of Bluffton's #ProtectTheDam plan for returning to campus, events including athletic competition remain closed to the public.

Students are encouraged to cheer on their classmates at home competitions while following social distancing and other guidance outlined in Bluffton's #ProtectTheDam plan. Please follow Bluffton athletics at www.blufftonbeavers.com for schedule updates and possible livestream coverage.