By Rachael Gregory
FightingIllini.com

Athletic Director Josh Whitman met with several members of the media Monday to provide an update on Illinois Athletics. The meeting was conducted online to ensure the safety of all participants amidst the stay-at-home order for the state of Illinois. Whitman began by highlighting staff, coaches and student-athletes for their hard work and flexibility while adjusting to life away from campus and athletics.

With current timelines uncertain, a team has been assembled to evaluate financial projections and generate contingency plans for the upcoming school year. As a result, Whitman discussed the postponement of developing a hockey program. "We were gearing up for an announcement on the downtown arena and hockey, potentially as early as next month," said Whitman. "It makes sense for us to hit the short-term pause button on that project."

Timelines on the resumption of fall sports have also been in question. Whitman indicated that shifting fall sports to the spring, fan attendance limitations and condensed schedules are potential considerations. However, it remains uncertain how mandates will affect the landscape of competition. Athletics staff will continue to communicate with the Big Ten Conference and heed the advisements of government officials throughout the process.    

With current timelines uncertain, a team has been assembled to evaluate financial projections and generate contingency plans for the upcoming school year. After the NCAA granted eligibility waivers for seniors in spring sports, athletic departments nationwide have been faced with the decision to allow their senior athletes to return. Whitman confirmed that Illinois Athletics will honor the waiver of each eligible senior who wishes to compete next season. He emphasized that granting a final year is important given the commitment and hard work poured into their respective programs and the Fighting Illini community.

Another topic of interest was the potential strain on recruiting efforts. Whitman informed reporters that coaching staff have actively maintained relationships with prospective student-athletes and are even conducting "virtual" house visits.

"I've been really proud of how our staff, and our coaches in particular, have developed all kinds of interesting and creative ways to go about their daily work," Whitman said.   

Finally, Whitman emphasized that an immediate priority is the health and safety of each student-athlete. Therefore, the athletic department continues to provide academic and mental-health support via online forums to ensure that each individual receives the resources they need. Teams will continue to meet virtually according to NCAA and Big Ten Conference guidelines while students complete their spring semester academic obligations.

With an unforeseeable return date, Whitman remains encouraged by the resilience of Fighting Illini student-athletes and athletic staff. "I'm always amazed at the creativity and the ingenuity that people can show in the face of challenge."