Dear Friend of Cal Athletics,
 
The coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the world has created a level of uncertainty, forcing so many of us to alter the way we conduct our daily lives. Over the past several weeks, new words and phrases have become familiar parts of our vocabulary — COVID-19, social distancing, self-quarantine, slowing the spread and flattening the curve — to name a few. Schools have closed, stores have empty shelves and many of us are staying at home rather than go to work or out to the movies.
 
Here at Cal, the impact has had a profound effect on faculty, staff and students. Although the University remains open and there are no confirmed cases on campus as of this writing, most in-person instruction has moved online through the end of the spring term. I have been so proud of how the University and our department staff have proactively continued to respond and communicate in an effort to keep our community safe. For more on the campus response to the coronavirus and the rapidly evolving situation, I suggest you visit a special website with the latest information.
 
As I'm sure you have heard by now, sports around the country have virtually come to a standstill. On Thursday morning, the Pac-12 announced that all Pac-12 sport competitions and championship events were suspended until further notice. A short time later, the NCAA said that all winter and spring championships have been canceled.
 
The news means that all of our sports are idled from competition through the spring semester, measures the vast universities across the country are enacting, as well. But we all know that student-athlete health is paramount and at the forefront of every decision we make. We will continue to assess the situation locally and nationally, and will provide updates on CalBears.com and through our @CalAthletics social media accounts as needed.
 
While these are the basic facts on where we stand at the present time, I want to express my true concern and empathy for those most affected by the abrupt change – our student-athletes, particularly our seniors. They have seen their seasons — and in some cases, careers — suddenly end through circumstances beyond their control. The cancellations came one day before the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, where we had a title contender in shot putter McKay Johnson, The NCAA men's and women's swimming & diving championships were less than two weeks away, and both of our teams had designs on challenging for the top of the podium.
 
Now, these student-athletes won't get those opportunities that they have trained so long and hard for. However, I could not be more proud of the legacies our senior class will leave on our programs, and we look forward to their continued growth as they look to make a difference in our world.
 
Prior to all of these changes being enacted, we do have some great news to share on the athletic front. First off, congratulations to our men's swimming & diving team, which captured its third consecutive Pac-12 title on March 7. Ryan Hoffer won three individual events and helped two relays to victory and was named the Pac-12 Swimmer of the Meet. Hoffer and women's swimmer Abbey Weitzeil, who claimed the 50 free title at the Pac-12 women's championships, were also announced as semifinalists for the 90th AAU Sullivan Award, which is given to the top amateur athlete in the country.
 
Our women's basketball team posted a pair of top-25 wins at the close of its year, first with a 55-54 decision at No. 13 Arizona in the regular-season finale, and then with a 71-67 triumph over No. 22 Arizona State in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament. Our men's basketball team also earned a first-round win in its Pac-12 tourney with a convincing 63-51 victory over Stanford before the remainder of the tournament was canceled. I am so proud of both of these programs.
 
In addition, I am delighted that even during these uncertain times the Cal Athletics community passionately supported our student-athletes during Big Give on March 12. We are all immensely grateful that more than 500 supporters helped Cal Athletics finish in the top 5 in dollars raised among campus units in the Big Slice contest. Go Bears!
 
In this challenging time and with our teams and student-athletes out of their regular routines, we, as a department, are looking for ways we can continue to improve, support our mission, and execute our strategic plan. Hopefully, all of us will be able to return to normalcy soon. In the meantime, be safe and make smart decisions for you, your family and friends.
 
As always, Go Bears!
 
 
Jim Knowlton
Director of Athletics