COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) has cancelled the remainder of all spring sport competition and travel.

This decision affects South Dakota School of Mines men's and women's golf, and men's and women's outdoor track. The RMAC had previously announced on Thursday the suspension of the spring season before deciding on a full cancellation Friday. The announcement follows the NCAA's decision on Thursday to cancel all winter and spring championships. 

"My heart breaks for our scholar-athletes to have their season end so abruptly in this unprecedented manner," said Hardrocker Athletics Director Joel Lueken. "Stay strong Hardrockers, we will get through this. We must put the health and safety all those involved at the utmost importance."

The RMAC released the following statement:

The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) has announced the cancellation of all spring championship and non-championship competitions and travel for the remainder of the current academic year due to COVID-19.

The RMAC Presidents Council approved the recommendation by league athletic administrators after a review of public health recommendations on gatherings, member campus decisions that affect student-athletes, consideration of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) decision to cancel all spring championships, and individual sport (golf, track & field) regular season contest and tournament cancellations around the region.

"We are heartbroken for our spring student-athletes and we do not take this decision lightly nor do we underestimate the impact it has on those who have had something taken away today," said RMAC Commissioner Chris Graham. "The overriding theme of our deliberations has been aligned with institutional positions, based upon the continued best health practice recommendations from state and federal experts."

The RMAC supports the consideration by NCAA Division II leadership to address the outstanding issues that resulted from the recent cancellations.