WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Penn College will return to formal competition for spring sports in 2021 in coordination with a unanimous decision by the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Presidents' Council and Board of Athletic Directors, it was announced Friday.

The decision affects baseball, softball, men's lacrosse, men's and women's tennis, and men's golf at Penn College.

 "Our student-athletes have sacrificed a significant piece of their Division III experience over the last year to help protect our campuses and greater communities," said NEAC Presidents' Council Chair and Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour. "We look forward to having our athletic programs competing again in the near future and will count on them to serve as leaders to illustrate how to participate in campus activities in a safe and responsible manner."

In a statement issued by the Conference, the NEAC's Presidents' Council reinforced its member's commitment to the health and safety of its student-athletes, staff, and community:

"Consistent with all decisions at the conference level, the safety and well-being of student-athletes remains the primary goal of the NEAC. All plans remain contingent upon federal, state and local health guidelines and the status of all contests will be subject to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. NEAC institutions will be expected to adhere to the league's Return to Competition protocols, which closely align with the NCAA recommendations outlined in the Resocialization Guidelines."
 
"After nearly a year of difficult decisions and announcements, it is very exciting to announce the return of sports," Penn College Director of Athletics John Vandevere said. "This is exciting news for our student-athletes, coaches and staff – especially for our spring sports who lost their seasons last year due to the COVID-19 outbreak."

Penn College will only participate in conference games and a schedule will be released at a later date. Spectators will be prohibited at contests to begin the season, though the Conference will continue to meet weekly and reserves the right to change the spectator policy.

Penn College will provide live stats and webcast for most home events, which can be accessed at pctwildcats.com/live.