MPSF postpones 2020 men’s water polo season

The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation has officially followed suit with the Pac-12, suspending the men’s water polo season through at least the end of the 2020 calendar year amid the coronavirus pandemic. They based their decision off that of the Pac-12 as well as the decisions from Penn State Behrend and Austin College, each who compete in the MPSF.

This move affects UCLA, USC, Stanford, Cal as well as the two aforementioned schools who compete in the MPSF men’s water polo.

The NCAA is still deciding on the fate of the fall championships, with a decision coming no later than August 21, and that will ultimately decide how the sport moves forward.

Cal Athletic Director Jim Knowlton as well as Chancellor Carol Christ gave this statement:

“We are aligned in our support for the Pac-12’s decision to postpone fall sports. While the decision was difficult, it is consistent with our shared commitment to the health and well-being of Cal’s student-athletes, coaches and staff. Our hearts go out to the student-athletes who will not have the opportunity to compete this fall. We are incredibly proud of how they have been navigating the disappointments and uncertainties surrounding their athletic pursuits, and we will do all that we can to support them during these difficult times. We look forward to the day when they will be able to, once again, train for and compete in the sports they love. We look forward to the day when we can, together with members of Cal’s extended family, once again cheer them on as they pursue excellence on the field of play.”

Though this decision to postpone the men’s water polo season is not surprising, it’s another hand dealt of harsh reality that this fall will be dramatically different than previous years, perhaps dramatically different than any year we can remember.