Veteran Roadrunner women's basketball coach Rich Cooper is excited to face the challenges for the upcoming 2020-21 season, although he admits that heading into uncharted territory is indeed a bit nerve-wracking.
Both the Runner's Men's and Women's teams will engage in modified schedules this winter and spring in which regular season games will begin January 22 and conclude in mid-April 2021.
That news came from the NJCAA on July 13, when it released plans for athletics nationwide following the recent COVID 19 outbreak. Following the recommendations from the NJCAA Presidential Advisory Council and the NJCAA Board of Regents, the NJCAA announced its adjusted plan of action for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year. Following the Board of Regents' vote on July 13, a majority of competition will be moved to the spring semester. Dates and times. however, for all athletic activities could still change amid the changing pandemic situation.
Click here for NJCAA 2020-21 Return to Play Plan
"It's a challenge, no question, and hopefully we will be all set to go," said Cooper recently. "The players have kept up with their training and have registered for their classes, and they are excited to start a new season."
Cooper, who has more than 100 career wins as head coach, guided the Roadrunners to a Region XIX Final Four appearance last winter as well as Region crown in 2018. He is hoping his club will be in the thick of another title chase this season as well as a return trip to the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament, which begins April 19, 2021.
"We have some experienced and talented players returning plus a few outstanding recruits, so hopefully we're prepared," added Cooper.
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