The University of New Hampshire Department of Athletics announced Tuesday that the Wildcat football team has opted out of its remaining two games of the spring 2021 season due to ongoing COVID-19 issues within the program. 

“I am so proud of our guys for working their tails off to be prepared to play football this spring and to compete the way they did when we faced Albany on March 5,” head coach Sean McDonnell said. “We followed the safety protocols to the best of our abilities, dealt with the starts-and-stops that come with COVID, and never wavered in our commitment to play football.”  

“But like so many other programs around the country, the virus took its toll on us,” McDonnell added. “I am constantly reminded that the virus controls us, we don’t control it. While I am very disappointed for the team, their families, and our staff, I know in my heart that sometimes the right decision is the hardest decision.” 

“Despite the incredible efforts of Coach Mac, the entire football staff, athletic training and, most of all, our student-athletes, we are left with no other choice but to forego the remainder of the spring season,” UNH Director of Athletics Marty Scarano said. “This is not the outcome we hoped for, but unfortunately, we could not get on the right side of the COVID numbers, and we will never forsake the health of our students. This is incredibly heartbreaking, but I am so proud of how hard everyone fought to give themselves a chance to get back on the field. This should be a reminder that this pandemic is still very much a part of our lives.” 

“We will now concentrate on getting clear of the virus, getting stronger, getting better, and the ‘Cats will be ready to go full-bore this fall,” McDonnell added. 

UNH had been scheduled to play at home this Saturday, April 10, against Stony Brook (12 p.m.) and at Maine on Saturday, April 17 (2 p.m.).  The CAA has officially cancelled both those games.