From Office of the President

Dear Members of the King's College Community:
 
Given the continual and growing challenges presented by COVID-19, and with the health and safety of our students, staff, and partners as our top priority, King's College will not participate in winter sports competition in the coming months.  This decision impacts women's basketball, men's basketball, women's ice hockey, men's ice hockey, indoor track & field, swimming, and wrestling. I know how much the winter season means to our students, staff, and our coaches—and especially to the dedicated men and women who give so much to play these sports. I am deeply sorry that we will miss this year's season and the joy and sense of community the games bring to our campus.  I also know that there is nothing that I can say that will lessen the disappointment and feelings of loss that are being experienced by our student-athletes, families, coaches, and friends. 
 
The public health environment relating to COVID-19, including here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, is currently no better than it was when we decided to cancel fall sports competition.  In fact, it is worse.  With a focus on the health and well-being of our student-athletes, our coaches, our athletic trainers (student and professional), our other athletics-related staff members (student and professional), our external athletics-related partners, and the entire college and local community, I decided that pursuing indoor sports competition this winter would not be the best decision for King's College.  While our winter sports student-athletes will not pursue competition, our coaches and others on campus will continue to engage, develop, and mentor them in safe and meaningful ways.
 
Like in the fall semester – and true to our mission – our campus partners are working tirelessly to prepare for the delivery of teaching and learning in an on-campus environment as best as we can in the spring semester.  This was no easy task in the fall semester.  It will be even more challenging in the spring semester.  I recognize that doing all we can to work toward a successful spring semester in the form of on-campus teaching and learning requires difficult sacrifice from every corner of our campus.  This includes our students whose co-curricular and extra-curricular experience – whether it be athletics, performing arts, study abroad, or other activities – is not as robust as they or we would like.  I sincerely feel for them.  In true King's fashion, however, I know that we will continue to face these challenges head-on, persevere, and advance our mission together.
 
We have shown that we can take care of one another in difficult times. We have shown that we can make the necessary sacrifices to insure the health and safety of each other.  We have shown that we can achieve the mission of the College, albeit less than perfectly, during a
pandemic.  I have every confidence the King's College community has the ability and resolve to continue our mission.  Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do to keep our community safe.
 
Please know that I will continue to pray for you and your loved ones.
 
Peace,

Rev. John J. Ryan, C.S.C., Ph.D.
President