BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford University director of athletics Martin Newton announced on Friday, Aug. 14 that the sports of football, men's and women's cross country, soccer, and volleyball, as well as all non-championship segment sports will not participate in nonconference competition this fall.  
 
"Today's decision to cancel our fall nonconference schedules came after thorough conversations with our coaches and student-athletes," Newton said. "Our student-athletes made it clear that they want to compete, but voiced their questions and concerns about the unknowns related to the virus. We based our decision primarily on their feedback."     
 
Samford's decision comes on the heels of Thursday's Southern Conference announcement that all fall league competition has been postponed to the spring of 2021 due to health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council of Presidents left open the possibility that SoCon schools could still play a nonconference schedule, if they so desired. 
 
"Our student-athletes, coaches and staff have shown tremendous perseverance during the pandemic," Newton added. "No one wants to see their opportunity to compete taken away, but the health and safety of the Bulldogs remains our top priority. I am still hopeful that we will see the Bulldogs back in action in the near future." 
 
Samford University is set to start fall semester classes on Monday, Aug. 24.