I hope this correspondence finds you and your family safe and healthy.  I'd like to thank you for your support of Coyote Athletics, especially in these uncertain times.  Our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and administration continue to persevere as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics during this pandemic. 
 
The Summit League President's Council voted in August to postpone the regular season and championships for fall sports to the spring of 2021. More than half of the NCAA Division I conferences have made a similar announcement and, like football, the numbers were no longer there for the NCAA to continue with a fall championship for volleyball, women's soccer and cross country. The NCAA is close to finalizing plans for fall sports to compete in the spring with the intent to host NCAA Championships for those sports.
 
In light of all this, we made the decision to discontinue competitions for all of our sports until the start of the winter season. The NCAA is finalizing the practice and playing calendar for winter sports which will most likely mean a delay to the beginning of the season with the design to have NCAA Championships as scheduled. Certainly, we will continue to consult with the NCAA, the President's Council and the medical community in the hopes of determining when it is safe for our student-athletes to return to competition.
 
Many of you have already bought season tickets for football, volleyball, or made a donation to the Howling Pack, and we are incredibly appreciative of your support. Your generosity over the years has contributed mightily to our pursuit of a championship culture. Your support now can help us sustain that momentum.
 
USD athletics supports the development of 440 student-athletes who participate in 19 sports. Annually, our commitment to scholarship support and program enrichment exceeds $5 million. Season ticket packages and donations to the Howling Pack help offset those costs, and your help is needed this year more than ever.
 
If you are a current season ticket holder, renewed your Howling Pack membership or are a new member of the Howling Pack for the 2020-21 academic year, we ask for your patience as we work to provide clarity on this year's schedule. If you have not renewed or joined the Howling Pack, please consider doing so. Contact the Howling Pack at 605-677-5527 or email HowlingPack@usdfoundation.org with questions or for more information. Current season ticket holders who would like to learn more about their options can contact the ticket staff at 605-677-5959 or email tickets@usd.edu. 
 
I can't wait to see our teams return to competition, and we can't wait to have all of Coyote Nation rallying behind us for support once again. We want to do this all in a safe and smart manner. Until then, Coyote Nation, stay safe and Go Yotes!
 
-David Herbster, USD Athletic Director