SALT LAKE CITY — University of Utah director of athletics Mark Harlan released a lengthy letter on utahutes.com Thursday morning. He addressed it to the Utah athletics family.
“Like all of you, the Utah athletics department is navigating through truly unprecedented times, as our country and the world face the realities of the rapidly spreading coronavirus,” Harlan wrote. “In the midst of our adjustment, the Salt Lake City area has now experienced the added stress of an earthquake, but we are grateful to report no injuries and no known damage to athletics facilities.
“With regard to the pandemic, I want to express my sincere empathy for those suffering from illness and those in the health care industry who are on the front lines fighting this battle. We all need to take care of each other, take care of ourselves and follow the guidelines recommended to help stop the spread,” he continued.
Harlan said that the athletics community would continue to “follow the guidance of university leadership and health experts to make the best decisions possible in this effort and to care for our more than 520 student-athletes. They are our highest priority, and every decision is made with their wellness and best interests in mind.”
Praise was given to university president Ruth Watkins and the leadership team on campus for guiding them through the rough waters and displaying a true caring for all students in making difficult decisions.
“I cannot say enough about the resiliency and character displayed by our student-athletes as they transition to the university’s online learning processes to continue their spring semester coursework,” Harlan said. “While there has been so much disappointment, frustration and anxiety, they have transitioned with maturity and purpose. I want to thank our coaches and staff who are working around the clock to serve our student-athletes as they not only adjust academically, but as they deal with the suspension of competition, practices and workouts.”
Harlan also expressed encouragement by the reassurance and support of donors, fans and season ticket holders during this challenging period.
“We know you are all facing your own adversity from this situation and the resoluteness of your support for Utah athletics reinforces the spirit of ONE UTAH as we stay unified in navigating these unprecedented times,” he wrote.
While noting that very few student-athletes are still on campus because university-wide services have been reduced to just essential levels of operation, Harlan explained that the athletics department is placing a high priority on serving the academic, emotional and physical health needs of student-athletes.
“Consistent with the decisions to promote social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of the virus, our weight rooms have been closed. Sports medicine staffs are helping student-athletes through post-surgical rehab and daily treatments that must be done on premises,” Harlan said. “Mental health services continue to be available remotely for our student-athletes, and their overall wellness is being tended to in every way possible.”
COMPETITIONS AND ELIGIBILITY: Expressing admiration and respect for the hard work demonstrated by the student-athletes, Harlan said he takes pride in celebrating their achievements.
“Adjusting to life without seeing them on campus and without cheering them on in competitions will take me some time,” he noted.
“The entire Utah athletics staff is working with great diligence, dedication and care to ensure we will come through this challenge in the healthiest way possible.” — Utah director of athletics Mark Harlan
Harlan added that just one week ago some Utah teams were at the apex of their seasons and chasing titles. The ski team led the NCAA championship meet after two days of competition and the fourth-ranked gymnastics squad was on the verge of completing an undefeated season prior to hosting the Pac-12 finals, peaking at the right time to make a run for the national crown. Another noted accomplishment included a 14-4 start by the softball team.
“We will seek more clarification on the NCAA’s recommendation to offer eligibility relief for seniors whose spring seasons were cut short, but regardless of those decisions, we are working on plans to celebrate and honor our seniors,” Harlan said. “Their seasons are not ending the way they had planned, but we will appropriately commemorate their time as Utes and express our gratitude and respect for the way they represented the University of Utah. For our graduates who will not have a formal ceremony we will be thoughtful about how we recognize the incredible achievement of earning a Utah degree.”
FOR THE FANS: Harlan also announced that the university is trying to be very thoughtful to those who support the athletic programs, explaining that they have an eye on the future when a bit of normalcy returns and games resume.
Refunds for any canceled events are being offered. In an additional show of relief, the renewal deadline for 2020 football season tickets has been extended to May 13. Crimson Club and ticket office staffs are available to assist and answer questions.
Work on the new Ken Garff Performance Zone at Rice-Eccles Stadium continues with a targeted completion still set for 2021.
“The entire Utah athletics staff is working with great diligence, dedication and care to ensure we will come through this challenge in the healthiest way possible,” Harlan said. “With such great support and the hard work of so many, we eagerly await a return to competition, and Utah athletics reaffirming its place as a department of excellence, a national power in intercollegiate athletics, and a source of pride for all affiliated with the University of Utah.”
Harlan concluded by wishing folks “the best of health and safety in the weeks ahead.”