The MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) and its member institutions announced a plan to delay the start of all intercollegiate athletic practices until the week of August 31st, with the start of competition delayed until the week of September 28th.

This announcement has a direct impact on a number of Kearney graduates who were planning to play fall collegiate sports this year. Many have already seen report dates pushed back due to ongoing Covid-19 concerns and now, the delay has been prolonged.

*Kearney Graduate Jacob Stevens was featured as a KPGZ and Stables Player of the week*

“This plan allows our student-athletes to get back on campus and get acclimated with the student body before we begin practices and competition," said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "We remain hopeful that the MIAA student-athletes will be able to practice and compete this fall, but we need to be patient and make sure that we are doing that in a healthy and safe environment for our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators.”

Kearney graduate Jacob Stevens is attending Washburn University this fall and he is one of the affected athletes. He said that the delays and closures have been a challenge as he prepares for the upcoming season.

“Once things started shutting down, like the gym and other non-essential businesses, they actually locked up the football field at the high school. So, I had to find other locations to train and workout,” Stevens said. “I understand all of the restrictions that have been put in place for Covid, but it’s been very frustrating being an athlete and not being able to complete.”

Washburn University has pushed back the first game of the season to October 3rd. The MIAA has shortened the season to just 7 games as of today.

KPGZ Sports - Jackson Ogden and Jim Dickerson contributed to this report