The NCAA announced Thursday that all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships are canceled due to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Swarthmore College's NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen men's basketball game against Whitworth University has been canceled. In addition, four student-athletes who qualified for the NCAA Division III Men's Swimming & Diving Championships, as well one for the Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships, will not be competing in the coming week either.

NCAA President Mark Emmert announced the decision late Thursday afternoon, noting, "This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities."

"While it's heartbreaking to see the season conclude this way for our men's basketball team, as well as the members of the men's swimming team and women's track and field team who were competing in their respective championships, this pandemic is an unprecedented health crisis, and trying to mitigate its spread requires unprecedented decisions," Swarthmore College President Valerie Smith said. "I extend my deep admiration and appreciation to these student-athletes for their outstanding accomplishments and the grace and composure with which they've represented the College."

"I also want to thank and congratulate Coach Landry Kosmalski, his staff, and our players on the men's basketball team, who have invested so much into this historic season." Smith added. "We are beyond proud of all that they've achieved. The impact of their talent, poise and perseverance stretches far beyond our campus community; we will never forget this extraordinary season. You will forever be known as champions."

In addition to the NCAA's announcement, the Centennial Conference announced Thursday that, as of Monday, March 16, all spring athletics practices and competitions are suspended until further notice, with the exception of teams competing during their spring break periods.

For more information on Swarthmore's response to COVID-19, please refer to the College's COVID-19 information page.