Christopher Williams, a fourth-year computer information systems major at FAMU, is excited that sports are resuming in the spring semester.
“Hearing that the MEAC will be resuming sport activities in the spring semester was some of the best news I’ve heard all year,” Williams said. “This pandemic has been absolutely hectic and has taken away some of the best memories of the college experience, I am definitely looking forward to these spring games.”
The Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference on Thursday announced the football and basketball schedules for the 2021 spring semester.
The football season, which usually takes place during the fall semester, was pushed back due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Bryan Crawford, a red-shirt junior who plays center for the Rattlers’ football team, said, “It’s always bittersweet when you find out that your dreams and desires have to be put on hold due to the global pandemic.”
A statement released by MEAC Commissioner Dennis E. Thomas said, “The mental and physical health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans must be at the forefront. With that in mind, creative and innovative scheduling was required to accomplish our goals. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to restrict travel to regional competition. Hopefully, the type of schedule is for spring 2021 only.”
The basketball season is slated to begin Jan. 2, with teams in the MEAC playing a 16-game conference schedule. FAMU’s men’s and women’s teams will host eight home games starting Jan. 16 through Feb. 27.
The football season is scheduled to start on Feb. 20. FAMU’s Football team will play a six-game regular season. FAMU is scheduled to host three games. They are scheduled to face South Carolina State University on March 13, North Carolina Central University on March 20 and long-time rival Bethune-Cookman University on April 10.
FAMU finished the 2019 football season 9-2 overall and 7-1 in the MEAC.
Crawford is ready more than ever to get back to business with the rest of his teammates. “I look at this as more time to get prepared and work on my craft in preparation for whenever we get back on the field,” Crawford said. “I’m looking forward to being around my teammates, coaches, strength staff, and just the support system. That’s what gets me going. Just being around a supporting cast that wants to win as bad as I do — that’s what fuels me the most.”
For a more in depth look at the composite schedule, visit famuathletics.com.