“The pandemic has dramatically shifted how colleges operate, teach and serve our students,” said Dr. Matt Borcherding, dean for the School of Science and Mathematics, “but as vaccination efforts continue, M State is announcing its intent to bring back fall athletics for the upcoming school year.”

A return to fall sports will mean the resumption of football, volleyball and golf, plus the new sport of trap shooting for men and women. Spartan athletics are based on M State’s Fergus Falls campus but are open to all students at the college.

“We’re very excited to have fall sports back on the schedule, and we look forward to the continued success of our programs and student athletes,” said Co-Athletic Director Steve King. “We sincerely thank President Carrie Brimhall for being such a strong advocate of Spartan athletics. Her commitment and leadership have allowed Spartan athletics to move forward and to be a leader in our conference.”

Both football and volleyball had their seasons canceled in the fall, but basketball resumed for men and women in January with COVID-specific precautions. Precautions will also be in place when softball and baseball begin this spring after those teams had their seasons canceled in the spring of 2020.

“While our men’s basketball team has been a little unlucky with quarantines due to close contacts to opponents, we feel good about how things are going this winter,” said Co-Athletic Director Jason Retzlaff. “All of the safety protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health have been followed, and we’ve gradually added more fans to each game. Our partnership with Lake Region Healthcare has been instrumental in keeping our athletes, coaches and staff in a safe environment while competing.”

The Spartan golf team competed last fall, but the region championship was pushed ahead to May. It’ll be held at Pebble Lake Golf Course in Fergus Falls on May 12-13, with the winner advancing to the national championship.

Retzlaff said recruiting for football and volleyball has continued during the pandemic, although safety protocols have restricted in-person recruiting, and numerous athletes have committed to the Spartans for the upcoming sports season.

Football coach Cory Miller said 35 players are currently participating in off-season strength and conditioning workouts, and the first of 10 spring practices is set for April 5.

“We’re looking forward to getting back out on the field and building toward the 2021 season,” Miller said.

Volleyball coach Abby Crowser said her returning players and her new recruits are excited about the prospect of playing a full season.

“It will be great to get back into the normal routine of a fall season once again,” she said. “We’re looking forward to the fall and competing once again. It will be a wonderful feeling to get back in the gym and on the court.”

As a member of the Minnesota State system, M State serves more than 8,000 students in credit courses each year in more than 70 career and liberal arts programs online and at its campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena. By partnering with communities, the college also provides workforce development services and other responsive training programs.