More College Swimming Cancellations: Michigan-Indiana (January 8) Called Off
After four college dual meets were cancelled Tuesday because of COVID-19 concerns, a high-profile showdown in the Big Ten is now off. The University of Michigan announced Wednesday afternoon that its home meet against Indiana, scheduled for this Saturday, would not take place. While some schools have been unable to compete because of positive COVID tests or quarantined athletes within a program, Michigan’s press release indicated a more cautionary approach. “With rising COVID-19 concerns, both schools mutually agreed to cancel the meet for the health and safety of the participants and those connected with the programs,” the Michigan release said.
At least from the Wolverines’ perspective, this is not expected to be a long-term pause as Michigan is expected to head to Wisconsin one week later for a tri-meet that will also include Minnesota. However, there is no plan for the Michigan-Indiana meet to be rescheduled.
The new wave of COVID-19 infections is being fueled by the more contagious Omicron variant, which has rapidly spread across the United States and across the world. The Michigan announcement came on the same day the late January Euro meet in Luxembourg was cancelled for the year due to COVID, and around the U.S., college programs in most winter sports remain in flux as coaches and administrators try to keep athletes out of COVID protocols in hopes of avoiding postponement or cancellation of contests.
At the start of the pandemic in 2020, college swimming saw its championship season drastically abridged, with virtually all meets around the country stopped after just one day of the Division II national championships. Most meets returned in 2021, except for Division III, and swimmers, coaches and fans around the country are crossing their fingers in hopes of finishing the full slate of championships this year.
The Alabama at Georgia dual meet scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 8 has been postponed due to COVID issues within the Georgia swimming and diving program, consistent with Southeastern Conference COVID-19 management requirements. A make-up date has not been determined at this time.
“It is unfortunate that we will not be able to compete this weekend, but in light of the current situation, the health and safety of the student-athletes continues to be our first concern,” said Tom Cousins Swimming and Diving Head Coach Jack Bauerle. “We are looking forward to returning to competition in the coming weeks.”
Georgia is scheduled to return to competition against Tennessee on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. at Gabrielsen Natatorium.
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great article!