ACC coaches respond to fall and winter season changes

ALPENA, Mich. — Alpena Community College will have a different look to their fall and winter sports seasons. Recently, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced its adjusted plan for the 2020-21 school year. Contact sports like volleyball will move to the spring, while cross country will take place in the fall. ACC volleyball head coach Sarah Parsons was expecting some changes, because of  COVID-19. However, she’s pleased that her team has an opportunity to be on the court next spring.

“I’m happy that we’re actually having a season, rather than having it being canceled altogether,” said Parsons. “I’m fine with having the season move to the spring, just as long we can still continue to play.”

For the winter, sports competition will begin in January with a majority of championship seasons moved from March to April, which includes ACC men’s and women’s basketball. Even though basketball has a later start than usual, ACC men’s basketball coach Mark Jacobs still plans on holding his practices, throughout the fall season.

“I like the fact that there are steps in place,” said Jacobs. “We get more practice time in the fall, but we are going to be extremely cautious.”