Canada West has announced it will delay the decision on whether second term conference competition proceeds in the New Year until no later than November 2. The initial deadline for a decision was scheduled for October 8.

Following feedback from student-athletes, the conference’s Board of Directors voted earlier this week to delay a decision on second term competition, allowing as much time as possible to assess the feasibility of conference play returning given the evolving COVID-19 environment.

Friday’s announcement pertains to the following second term team sports – basketball (men’s and women’s), hockey (men’s and women’s), volleyball (men’s and women’s), rugby 7s (women’s) – along with Canada West championships in curling (men’s and women’s) swimming (men’s and women’s), track and field (men’s and women’s), and wrestling (men’s and women’s).

The news comes with both U of R basketball teams hoping for the best as they have started practicing.  Women’s coach Dave Taylor says it has been great to get his team back on the court.

“It’s been nice to be back in the gym and conduct some full practices which is really nice.” Taylor said. “It’s back in a routine and athletes are so much about routine.  They were excited to get back. In fact, I’ve never seen them so excited to see them do defensive drills.”

As for men’s coach Steve Burrows, he doesn’t have his full roster with him because of players that are from out-of-city so it is has been a little different, but he is glad to be back on the court as well.

“I don’t even have the words to express how different it has been, but we are trying to adapt.” Burrows said. “We are just moving forward with the guys  who we have and doing what needs to be done to stay sharp and in game-shape.”

Canada West cancelled all fall term team competition in June, and subsequently opted for cancellations of CW championships in cross country, and later golf.