Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
Air Force
Colorado State at Air Force Canceled
11/25/2020 2:30:00 PM | Football
The game, set for Thanksgiving, has been canceled.
The following statement was released by the Mountain West Conference on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's scheduled football game at Air Force...
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Due to an upward trend of COVID-19 cases within the Colorado State football program and in consultation with Larimer County public health and resulting contact tracing, the Rams are unable to participate in the scheduled game on Thursday, Nov. 26, at Air Force. Therefore, the Mountain West is canceling the game and declaring it a no contest. There is no plan to reschedule the game.
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The Mountain West is working with Air Force on alternative game options for this weekend.
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Additionally, Colorado State University's Pandemic Preparedness Team issued the following statement...
Colorado State University's Pandemic Preparedness Team, at the direction of President Joyce McConnell, has canceled the Nov. 26 Rams football game against Air Force due to COVID-19 case counts among CSU Rams football players and staff. The decision comes after additional consultation with Larimer County public health officials.
At this time, seven players are positive for COVID-19, according to tests, from the total roster of 143 players. An additional two staff members have tested positive. Contact tracing is in progress for several of the positive player cases; at this time, nine players have already been identified as close contacts of those positive individuals and additional close contacts are currently being investigated. All football activities are paused until current case investigation can be completed and the team and staff tested again late this week.
"Our greatest responsibility is the health of our students – including student athletes – faculty, staff and the broader Fort Collins, Larimer County and Colorado community," said McConnell. "While we understand players, staff and fans may be disappointed, to proceed with a game under these conditions is not responsible, and we must all do what we can to protect each other."
The decision comes on the heels of Larimer County moving to Level Red precautions yesterday due to rising COVID-19 cases. El Paso County, where the game was slated to be held, will move to Level Red on Friday, Nov. 27.
