All non-conference sports competitions will be canceled in the MIAC for fall 2020, the conference announced Thursday. MIAC schools will still be permitted to compete within the conference for the time being.

The announcement on the MIAC site noted that athletic directors and presidents within the conference are continuing to explore opportunities for the fall.

“MIAC administrators and staff have met weekly throughout the summer to develop protocols, expectations, and best practices for the possible return of athletics this fall,” the MIAC wrote in a statement on its website. “The conference will continue to evaluate options over the next several weeks before making a final decision on how and when athletics will return to MIAC campuses.”

The St. Thomas athletic department had no supplemental comment on the conference’s decision.

Along with St. Thomas, the conference consists of Augsburg University, Bethel University, Concordia-Moorhead, Gustavus Adolphus College, Hamline University, Macalester College, College of Saint Benedict, St. John’s University, St. Catherine University, Saint Mary’s University and St. Olaf College.

Of the 12 universities in the conference, only Carleton College has suspended its fall sports from all competition, including conference play.

The Ivy League conference was the first to call off fall sports, including football, on July 8th. It was followed by the Division I Patriot League, which decided football, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball and field hockey will be cancelled for fall 2020.

Emily Haugen can be reached at haug7231@stthomas.edu.