2020 NIRSA National Basketball Championship cancelled

After serious consideration, it is with much regret that the 2020 NIRSA National Basketball Championship (April 3–5 in Wichita, KS) has been cancelled due to the continuing concerns with the COVID-19 virus. NIRSA Championship Series leadership, NIRSA HQ, and the NIRSA Services Corporation Board have been monitoring the precautions from NIRSA member institutions and health organizations regarding travel and social distancing. Given current information, Series leadership was compelled to cancel for the safety and wellbeing of our participants, volunteers, and staff involved with the tournament.

The NIRSA Services Corporation and NIRSA Championship Series are committed to bringing a premier experience to our participants and stakeholders. While some may be dismayed with this decision, the priority of the health and wellbeing of the players, tournament staff, and host communities who participate in and support the NIRSA Championship Series cannot be ignored. Champ Series leaders thank you all for your continued support of the Championship Series.

A huge public thank you to Wichita State University Campus Recreation; Austin Sanderson, Coordinator of Competitive Sports at Wichita State; Karolina Mosa, Program Specialist of Facilities at Wichita State; and Jeff Logsdon, Program Coordinator, Club Sports at the University of Cincinnati. They have been working since April 2019 to make this year’s tournament a quality event. Also, the National Basketball Directors will not get to see the fruits of their labor this year. However, there is still great appreciation for all they’ve done for the Champ Series.

National Basketball Directors

Officials

Jon Broska, University of Florida
Natosha Harris, University of Kentucky
Michael Castaneda, University of Texas San Antonio

Competition

Jason Lisenmeyer, Oklahoma State University
Greg Durham, Creighton University
Alex Pettola, Mercer University

All Tournament

Brooke Cochran, University of Florida
Amy Rask, University of Denver

Director of Media

Alex Horn, Loyola University Chicago
Daniel Fragel, Emporia State University

Unified

Abby Van Note, University of Wisconsin – Madison
John Merryman, Arizona State University

The NIRSA Championship Series will work with the Series Basketball Work Team in the coming weeks to figure out the impact of not having a National Championship and to set up the framework for 2021.

Please contact Series Chair Scott Flickinger or NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs Valerie McCutchan if you have any questions. Be safe.