News
Luna cancels remainder of spring sports seasons
Luna Community College has decided to cancel the remainder of its spring athletic schedule, effective immediately.
Both baseball and softball programs are affected. The Rough Riders compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
The impact of COVID-19 and unanticipated financial impacts contributed to the decision. At the time game schedules were being arranged, state restrictions on events and gathering-size limits necessitated that all games for both teams be played on the road and, specifically, out of state. That doubled the costs for travel and lodging. More recently, the teams were impacted by unanticipated mechanical problems for the college’s activity bus. Costs of chartering alternate transportation for the rest of the spring schedules exceeded budgeted resources, administrators said.
Earlier this school year, the college incurred unanticipated expenses due to a need to provide quarantine accommodations for student-athletes when their usual rooms at New Mexico Highlands University became unavailable due to a COVID-19 shutdown.
Luna has committed to continue to support all its student-athletes with their educational needs this semester and beyond. Athletic director Carl Vigil noted that the athletic eligibility for these student-athletes would be preserved and unaffected by the cancellation. Additionally, the college’s standing within its own conference will remain intact as a result of the decision.
“It was a difficult decision to make but ultimately the right one, given these unfortunate circumstances,” said Luna interim President Dr. Kenneth Patterson. “It is our hope that going forward, Luna will be much better situated for full participation in both home and away games.”
The college plans to devote resources to upgrade its transportation options for athletics and other student activities.
“We value all our students and our student-athletes and their hard work,” Patterson said. “Their diligence and perseverance in the face of all the adversity we’ve all shared this past year has been a real inspiration. We look forward to much brighter days later in 2021, and we eagerly anticipate being able to root for both Rough Rider teams next season.”
Vigil said both baseball head coach T.C. Nusser and softball head coach Steve Wallace were to meet with their teams Friday to inform them of the news.