Spartans Cross Country Teams Opt-Out Of 2021 Spring Season

San Jose, Calif.-----Following a postponement and rescheduling of its season to the spring semester, San José State University's men's and women's cross country programs will not compete during the 2020-21 academic year.
 
"Today's announcement is in the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches and staff in these sports," said San Jose State University Athletics Director Marie Tuite. "Our cross country teams have followed all the appropriate health and safety protocols during its shortened preseason practice schedule last fall. It became apparent we had to make a choice between a spring cross country or a spring outdoor track and field schedule for these student-athletes. The decision was an outdoor track and field schedule provided a better opportunity for a rewarding student-athlete experience."
 
The student-athletes will have an opportunity to compete in a Spartan uniform as members of the 2021 San Jose State University outdoor track and field teams. The season typically begins in mid-March.
 
Typically, cross country is conducted as a fall semester sport. On September 8, 2020, the Mountain West announced its cross country teams would postpone competition until 2021.
 
Besides the conference announcement, the Spartans' summer and fall practice opportunities were impacted by numerous Spare The Air alerts issued throughout Northern California and Santa Clara County COVID-19 directives.